The United States is set to introduce a non-refundable $750 fee for applicants seeking to skip visa interview queues under a new expedited visa service.
According to reports, the US State Department will roll out a “premium” pilot programme for business and tourist visa applicants, allowing them to secure interview appointments within 10 days of payment at selected embassies and consulates.
The total cost of the service, including the standard visa application fee of $185, brings the full amount to $750.
A notice expected to be published in the Federal Register indicates that the programme will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at speeding up processing times for B1 and B2 visa categories, commonly used for business travel and tourism.
Reports suggest the move is part of broader efforts to restructure visa processing systems, amid stricter immigration measures that have made entry into the US more stringent in recent years.
These measures have reportedly included increased scrutiny of applicants, expanded documentation requirements, and in some cases, higher financial guarantees for visa processing depending on country of origin.
