The U.S. Department of State has launched a new pilot program that lets B-1/B-2 visa applicants pay an extra fee to get their interview scheduled sooner. Here’s what practitioners and applicants need to know.
What happened
On June 9, 2026, the Department of State issued a temporary final rule establishing an optional $750 fee for expedited B-1/B-2 visa interview appointments, on top of the standard visa fee. On July 22, 2026, DOS announced that the pilot had officially begun at Mission Mexico — including all consulates there — starting July 21, 2026. Additional posts may be added through the end of the pilot.
The program will run through December 31, 2026, and allows eligible applicants at participating posts to get an interview within 10 business days, subject to availability.
What the fee does — and doesn’t — do
This is a scheduling benefit only. Paying the $750 fee moves up when you get your interview; it does not:
- Expedite post-interview processing
- Waive security checks
- Reduce administrative processing
- Improve your odds of approval
Standard eligibility requirements and vetting still apply. Applicants should not assume that paying more money results in more favorable treatment on the merits of their case.
Key details
- It’s an added cost. The $750 fee is separate from, and in addition to, the standard $185 MRV fee.
- Availability is limited. The service is only offered at designated posts and in capped volumes, so it doesn’t crowd out regular appointment access. Participating posts are listed on travel.state.gov.
- 10-day turnaround. Paying allows applicants to schedule their “Paid Expedite” appointment within the next 10 business days.
- A backup option. If a regular emergency appointment request was denied, applicants may still be able to schedule a Paid Expedite appointment if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Not for everyone. Only applicants who already have a scheduled interview appointment can pay for the expedite. Interview waiver renewals are not eligible.
- One shot only. A Paid Expedite appointment can be scheduled just once — there’s no rescheduling. If you cancel it, you forfeit the fee.
Why DOS is doing this
DOS describes this as a six-month test of demand for a paid scheduling option. The agency points to existing interview backlogs, anticipated demand from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the administrative strain of handling individual expedite requests one by one. The hope is that a paid option will also reduce reliance on the more resource-intensive traditional expedite request process.
The bottom line
If you’re considering the Paid Expedite option, understand exactly what you’re paying for: a faster interview date, nothing more. It won’t change how your case is evaluated, and it comes with real restrictions — no rescheduling, no refund if canceled, and eligibility limited to applicants who already have an appointment on the books.
If you have questions about whether this option makes sense for your situation, contact our office at 713-532-0110.