The U.S. State Department is launching a “premium” expedited service that allows some visa applicants to obtain faster interview appointments for an additional fee. Multiple outlets report the program is priced at $750 on top of the standard visa processing fee of $185. The service is aimed at people applying for U.S. business or tourist visas, commonly described as B1/B2 categories. According to reporting, applicants who use the premium option can schedule an interview within about 10 days of payment, though the service is framed as speeding up appointment availability rather than guaranteeing visa approval or faster administrative processing.
Several stories also describe the rollout as a pilot at select embassies and mention that it begins on July 1, 2026, with the intent to assess demand and manage consular workload. One outlet further notes the program is expected to be announced through a Federal Register notice, based on internal documents. Overall coverage agrees on the cost, the target visa types, the expedited scheduling timeframe, and that it does not ensure issuance.
