The United States State Department has expanded a pilot program offering expedited interview appointments for B-1 and B-2 non-immigrant visas. This program allows eligible applicants to pay an additional $750 fee to secure an earlier interview slot at select U.S. embassies and consulates. However, despite the expansion, Indian applicants are not yet included in the initiative.
The pilot, which is set to run until December 31, 2026, aims to reduce wait times for business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visa interviews. The $750 fee is voluntary and is charged in addition to the standard $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee. It's crucial to note that this expedited option secures an earlier interview but does not guarantee visa approval.
How the Expedited Process Works
Applicants interested in the fast-track option must first complete the regular visa application process, including paying the standard MRV fee and scheduling a conventional appointment. Subsequently, those in participating locations can check for the availability of expedited slots. If available, the applicant selects a date and time and must complete the $750 payment within a strict 10-minute window to confirm the booking. The expedited fee is non-refundable, and the appointment cannot be rescheduled once confirmed.
Where the Pilot is Available
The expanded pilot now includes several new locations, primarily across North and Central America. These include:
- Mission Canada (covering the embassy and all consulates)
- Embassy Bogota, Colombia
- Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica
- Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Mission Mexico (covering the embassy and all consulates across Mexico)
The State Department has indicated that additional locations might be added throughout the pilot period, which concludes at the end of 2026.
Impact for Indian Applicants
For Indian citizens seeking B-1 or B-2 visas, the news means continued reliance on the standard appointment process. None of the five U.S. consular posts in India—Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, or Kolkata—are currently part of this expedited program. The State Department has not confirmed whether Indian posts will be integrated into the program before its scheduled conclusion.