Overview
The U.S. Department of State has launched a pilot program allowing B visa applicants to pay an additional $750 for an expedited appointment within 10 business days. This program aims to reduce visa appointment wait times for individuals with urgent travel needs, including international travelers, students, and business professionals. It is optional and voluntary, running from July 21, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Currently, it is available at Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates), with potential for additional locations to be announced.
Coverage
Participants must pay a non-refundable and non-transferable $750 expedited appointment fee, in addition to the standard $185 Nonimmigrant Visa (MRV) application fee, totaling $935. This fee secures an earlier interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability. It does NOT guarantee visa approval, faster processing, or allow for rescheduling. Missed appointments result in forfeiture of the $750 fee.
Eligibility
This program is open to B visa (Tourist/Business) applicants who have already paid the standard MRV fee and scheduled a regular visa interview appointment at a participating embassy or consulate. It is designed for international travelers, students, and business professionals. Applicants who qualify for interview waivers, those applying for visa categories other than B (e.g., student visas, work visas), or those in countries where the pilot program has not launched are NOT eligible.
Requirements
To qualify, you must be a B visa applicant, have a future regular interview appointment scheduled, and be applying at a participating location where the "Paid Expedite" option is available. You must be prepared to pay the $750 expedited fee within 10 minutes of selecting an appointment.
How to apply
1. Pay the Standard MRV Fee: First, pay the standard $185 nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fee.
2. Schedule a Regular Appointment: Follow the usual process to schedule a regular visa interview appointment at a participating embassy or consulate. You must have a future regular appointment scheduled to access the expedited option.
3. Check for Expedited Availability: Log in to your account, click "Continue," and select "Request Expedite." If expedited appointments are available at your location and you meet eligibility criteria, the "Paid Expedite" option will be visible.
4. Select Expedited Appointment: Choose an available expedited appointment date and time within the next 10 business days.
5. Pay the Expedited Fee: The $750 expedited appointment fee must be paid online through the scheduling system within 10 minutes of selection to secure the appointment.
6. Attend Your Appointment: Attend your expedited appointment on the scheduled date and time. Expedited appointments cannot be rescheduled.
7. Undergo Standard Vetting: All applicants undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting process. The expedited fee does not guarantee visa issuance.
Notes
The $750 expedited fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Missed appointments result in forfeiture of the fee. Rescheduling expedited appointments is not allowed. The fee only provides an earlier interview slot and does not influence the visa approval decision. The total cost for an expedited appointment is $935 ($185 MRV fee + $750 expedited fee).
