The United States has expanded its pilot program for expedited visa appointments, offering eligible tourist (B1/B2) and business visa applicants the opportunity to secure an interview within just 10 business days. This premium service comes with an additional $750 fee, subject to availability.
Initially launched in Mexico in July, this paid fast-track visa option now includes applicants in **Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras**. It is important to note that India is not currently part of this pilot program.
US Fast-Track Visa Appointment: Available Countries
The expedited US visa interview service is currently available at United States embassies and consulates in the following countries:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- Costa Rica
- Honduras
The most recent expansion to Canada, Colombia (Bogota), Guatemala (Guatemala City), Costa Rica (San Jose), and Honduras (Tegucigalpa) took effect on August 18. This pilot program is scheduled to run until December 31, 2026, with potential for further expansion to other locations.
Understanding the $750 Expedited Visa Fee
For an additional fee of **$750 per applicant**, eligible B1/B2 visa applicants can move their interview date to an available slot within the next 10 business days. It’s crucial to understand that this fee specifically expedites the interview scheduling process only.
The $750 fee does not accelerate the visa processing time after your interview, nor does it enhance your chances of visa approval. All applicants, including those using the fast-track option, must still meet the same eligibility criteria, undergo standard security screening, and pass the visa decision process.
How to Request a Paid Expedited US Visa Interview
The fast-track visa appointment cannot be purchased directly. Applicants must first complete the standard US visa application process, including paying the regular **$185 MRV fee**, and then schedule a normal interview appointment.
Once a regular appointment is secured, applicants can log into their visa account and select “Request Expedite.” If the “Paid Expedite” option is available, it can then be chosen. A limited number of expedited slots are released daily, and applicants have 10 minutes to pay the $750 fee and confirm their selected slot.
Important: The $750 Expedite Fee is Non-Refundable
It is critical to understand that paying the $750 expedited appointment fee does not guarantee US visa approval or faster processing post-interview. This fee is strictly **non-refundable and non-transferable**, even if your visa application is ultimately refused.
A benefit of using this service is that applicants can opt for premium document delivery, where available, without any additional charge.
Eligibility for the Paid Expedited Visa Service
This program is designed for eligible B1/B2 visa applicants who require an in-person interview. The paid expedite option is available to:
- Applicants scheduling a new interview appointment.
- Individuals who already hold an existing regular appointment and have an unexpired MRV fee receipt.
- Applicants whose previous emergency visitor visa appointment request was denied, provided they still meet the program’s requirements.
Please note that this expedited service is **not available for interview-waiver visa renewals**.
Family Applications: $750 Fee Per Person
The $750 expedite fee is applied per individual applicant, not per appointment slot or family group. For example, a family of four would incur a **$3,000** charge for expedited interviews, in addition to their standard visa application fees.
Groups or families have the flexibility to choose whether to expedite the appointments for all traveling members or just select individuals.
No Rescheduling: Missing Your Expedited Appointment
Paid expedited appointments are strictly non-reschedulable. If an applicant cancels or misses their scheduled expedited interview, the $750 payment is forfeited. To secure a new expedited slot, an additional $750 fee would be required.
However, if the original MRV fee was paid less than a year ago, it might still be possible to book another regular (non-expedited) appointment without incurring the standard application fee again.
Travelobiz Insight: Is the Fast-Track Visa Worth It?
This expedited visa appointment service can be highly beneficial for applicants in the participating countries who are facing urgent travel deadlines. However, for Indian travelers, it offers no immediate advantage, as India is not part of this pilot program. For Indian applicants, the standard US visa appointment channels remain the sole option.
Leave a Reply