The United States Department of State has unveiled a new premium expedited service for B1/B2 visa applicants, offering travellers the opportunity to secure interview appointments within 10 business days for an additional fee of $750.
The initiative, announced in a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026, will operate as a pilot programme from July 1 through December 31, 2026.
According to the notice cited by PUNCH Online on Monday, the service will be available only at selected US embassies and consulates.
The State Department explained that the programme is an optional service designed for applicants who require quicker access to interview appointments amid increasing demand and lengthy waiting periods at several diplomatic missions worldwide.
In the official rule, the department stated, “This temporary final rule is designed to collect information from select countries about the demand for a fee-based process to expedite a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment.”
The agency noted that the initiative is also intended to enhance the efficiency of visa appointment scheduling systems.
US authorities emphasised that paying the expedited appointment fee does not influence visa decisions or guarantee approval. According to the department, “An expedited visa appointment in no way guarantees visa issuance.”
Applicants seeking the premium service will still be required to satisfy all existing visa requirements, including security screenings and consular interviews.
The State Department said the programme was introduced in response to growing demand for US visas and extended waiting times in several countries, including those in Africa. It highlighted Nigeria as an example, noting that applicants seeking B1/B2 visa interviews in Abuja currently face an average waiting period of approximately 11.5 months.
Explaining the challenge, the rule stated, “At certain posts wait times exceed 12 months, making it difficult for some applicants to apply for visas for urgent or last-minute travel.”
Officials also pointed to major international events expected to drive increased travel to the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Under the pilot arrangement, applicants must first complete the regular visa application process and obtain a standard interview appointment before requesting an earlier slot through the premium option.
The rule explained, “If the applicant then wishes to schedule an earlier (expedited) appointment, he or she will so indicate, at which point, he or she will see the available expedited appointments within the next ten business days.”
The expedited service will be offered only at selected diplomatic posts, with appointment availability remaining limited. Applicants opting for the service must pay the existing $185 visa application fee in addition to the new $750 expedited scheduling charge.
Describing the initiative as a cost-recovery pilot programme, the US government stated, “This service will be offered as an optional premium addition to the standard NIV application fee.”
The government further noted that, “This service will be offered at limited overseas posts… for the duration of the temporary final rule.”
