Offer Visa Interview Appointments Within 10 Days: New US B1/B2 Expedite Program

Breaking: US Consulates Now Offer Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Scheduling

The United States State Department has introduced a paid expedited visa interview program allowing business and tourist applicants to secure B1/B2 appointments within 10 business days for an additional $750 fee. The pilot initiative launches July 1, 2026, across select consulate locations and runs through December 31, 2026. This premium scheduling option significantly reduces traditional wait times, though it does not accelerate the actual visa adjudication process, background checks, or approval decisions. Eligible applicants from most countries can now bypass lengthy appointment queues by paying the expedited fee at participating diplomatic missions worldwide.

Who Qualifies for the Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Program?

Most international nationals seeking business (B1) or tourist (B2) visas qualify for this expedited appointment service. However, availability remains limited to select US consulates, and the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with restricted slots available monthly. Applicants must have already submitted their online visa application (DS-160 form) and paid the standard visa application fee before accessing expedited appointment scheduling.

Certain security protocols and background check requirements still apply; individuals with prior visa denials, criminal records, or security concerns may face processing delays regardless of expedite status. The premium fee guarantees only accelerated appointment booking, not expedited visa processing or approval. Applicants should verify their specific consulate's participation status on the official US State Department visa portal before purchasing the expedite service.

How the Premium Expedite Fee Works and What It Covers

The $750 additional payment covers expedited appointment scheduling only. This fee accelerates your ability to offer visa interview appointments within 10 business days rather than waiting months for standard appointment availability. Once scheduled, your actual visa interview, document review, and adjudication follow normal processing timelines and security protocols.

The expedite fee does not guarantee visa approval, extend your visa validity, waive any requirements, or provide priority document review. You must still supply all required documentation, pass background checks, and meet eligibility criteria. The appointment expedite applies exclusively to scheduling, allowing you to complete your in-person interview sooner. Payment is non-refundable even if your visa application is denied. Multiple consulate locations participate in this pilot program, though exact participating posts are limited and may expand throughout the program period.

Timeline and Availability Details for 2026 Expedite Bookings

The expedited B1/B2 visa interview program officially commences July 1, 2026, and continues through December 31, 2026. This six-month pilot period allows the State Department to evaluate program effectiveness and gather applicant feedback before potential expansion.

Consulates offer expedite appointments within 10 business days from booking confirmation. This means appointments scheduled early July could occur within the same month, compared to standard waits of six to eighteen months at many locations. Available slots remain limited and subject to consulate capacity; high-demand locations may exhaust monthly allocations quickly. Applicants should complete their DS-160 form and pay standard visa fees immediately upon deciding to purchase expedite access. The program operates on a limited capacity model to maintain operational efficiency and interview quality.

How to Apply Step by Step for Expedited Visa Appointments

Step One: Complete Your DS-160 Application
Visit the official US State Department visa portal and complete your online immigrant visa application (DS-160 form). Answer all questions accurately and thoroughly.

Step Two: Pay Your Standard Visa Fee
Submit payment for the regular B1/B2 visa application fee ($160 for US citizens, fees vary for other nationalities). This payment is separate from the expedite fee.

Step Three: Access the Expedite Scheduling Option
After completing your DS-160, log into your visa account and navigate to appointment scheduling. Select "Expedited Appointment Option" if available at your chosen consulate.

Step Four: Pay the $750 Expedite Fee
Complete the $750 expedited appointment payment through the secure State Department portal. Retain your payment confirmation.

Step Five: Book Your Appointment Within 10 Days
Your account will unlock expedited appointment slots. Select your preferred date within the 10-day window displayed on your portal. Confirm your appointment details via email.

Step Six: Prepare for Your Interview
Gather required documents, review the IATA Travel Centre for country-specific entry requirements, and prepare for your consulate interview as usual.

Key Facts About the US Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Program

Program Element	Details
Program Name	Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Scheduling Pilot
Launch Date	July 1, 2026
Expiration Date	December 31, 2026
Expedite Fee	$750 USD (non-refundable)
Standard Visa Fee	$160 USD (separate payment)
Expedited Appointment Window	Within 10 business days of booking
Standard Wait Times	6-18 months (varies by location)
Visa Types Eligible	B1 (Business), B2 (Tourist)
Affected Applicants	Citizens of most countries
What's Expedited	Appointment scheduling only
What's NOT Expedited	Visa processing, approval decisions, background checks
Participating Locations	Select US consulates (list on State Department site)
Payment Method	Online via secure portal
Refund Policy	Non-refundable

What This Means for International Business and Leisure Travelers

The expedited visa interview program delivers significant value for time-sensitive business trips and planned vacations. Here are key takeaways:

1. Dramatically Reduced Wait Times: Instead of waiting six to eighteen months for standard appointments, expedite service offers scheduling within 10 business days. Business professionals can now plan conferences and client meetings with clearer timelines.

2. Certainty for Travel Planning: The guaranteed 10-day appointment window allows travelers to book flights, hotels, and business events with confidence, reducing cancellation risks from visa delays.

3. Costs Versus Benefits: The $750 expedite fee adds expense to your visa journey. Calculate whether faster appointment access justifies the cost for your specific travel timeline and circumstances.

4. Limited Availability Window: This pilot program ends December 31, 2026. Applicants wanting expedite benefits should submit applications quickly, as monthly slots fill rapidly at popular consulates.

5. Approval Still Required: The expedite fee guarantees only faster interviewing, not faster approvals. Budget additional processing time after your interview before travel confirmation.

6. Global Coverage: While limited to select consulates, participating locations span multiple continents, providing options for most international applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expedited B1/B2 Appointments

Does the $750 expedite fee guarantee visa approval?
No. The expedite fee covers only faster appointment scheduling. Your visa approval depends on meeting eligibility requirements, passing background checks, and satisfying consulate adjudication standards. Visa rejection remains possible regardless of expedite payment.

Can I transfer my expedite appointment to another person?
No. Expedite appointments are non-transferable and tied to your individual DS-160 application. Each applicant must purchase their