The State Department is launching a premium visa service that lets business and tourist visa applicants skip months-long waiting lists, for a price.
From 1 July through to 31 December, eligible B1 and B2 applicants can pay an extra $750 on top of the standard $185 fee, bringing the total to $935, in exchange for a guaranteed interview slot within ten days at participating embassies and consulates.
The pilot comes as global waiting times have ballooned to several months. and in some regions, well over a year, effectively pricing out last-minute business and leisure travel for many applicants.
There is a sharp catch, however. Once an expedited slot becomes available, applicants have a mere five to ten minutes to complete payment.
Miss that window and the appointment vanishes, snapped back into the pool for others. The fee is non-refundable regardless.
Crucially, the faster appointment is no guarantee of success; officials stress that paying only accelerates the interview itself, not the outcome.
The State Department estimates roughly 25,700 travellers will take up the option each year, generating some $19.3 million in revenue. Participating locations are yet to be confirmed ahead of the July launch.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
