The United States has introduced a temporary premium visa interview system for B-1 business and B-2 tourism applicants, reflecting growing demand for faster consular appointments. Under the pilot, applicants at select U.S. embassies and consulates can pay an additional $750 to secure an interview slot within 10 working days. This represents a significant new fee-based mechanism aimed at reducing delays for those willing to pay for speed.
The program is tied to specific posts rather than universally available worldwide, meaning eligibility depends on where the applicant is seeking a visa. By offering accelerated interview scheduling, the U.S. is responding to reports of long wait times that have affected travel planning for businesspeople and tourists alike. The premium option operates alongside standard appointment queues, effectively creating a separate track for those willing to pay the surcharge.
Importantly, the new premium fee applies only to interview scheduling and does not alter the substantive criteria used to approve or refuse visas. Applicants paying the additional $750 remain subject to the same security checks, background reviews, and eligibility rules as any other B-1 or B-2 applicant. The program is described as temporary, indicating that officials may adjust or discontinue it based on operational experience.
The move fits into a broader pattern of travel-related changes in 2026, as U.S. authorities seek ways to manage high demand for consular services and address bottlenecks in visa processing. Business travelers in particular may see the premium option as a tool to align interview dates with corporate deadlines or event schedules. Tourists facing limited windows of time for planned trips may likewise find value in predictable, expedited appointment slots.
What this means for you
If you are applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa at a consulate participating in the pilot program, you may have the option to pay an extra $750 to obtain an interview within 10 working days. Travelers should weigh the cost against the benefits of faster scheduling, particularly when trip timelines are tight or when standard wait times are unusually long. Before committing to the fee, confirm that your chosen consulate offers the premium service and understand that it does not influence the likelihood of visa approval.
Applicants should also budget for the standard application fee in addition to the premium charge and be prepared with complete documentation to make effective use of the expedited slot. Because the program does not speed up security checks or administrative processing after the interview, you should still allow for potential additional time before visa issuance. Planning travel dates with some flexibility around post-interview processing remains important.
For many travelers, the new premium interview system represents a trade-off between cost and certainty. Those with flexible schedules may continue to rely on regular appointment queues, while others with fixed travel needs might choose the higher fee for faster access. Understanding the limitations and advantages of the pilot will help you decide whether it is an appropriate tool for your next U.S. trip.