Getting a US visa interview could soon become faster, but it won’t come cheap.

The US State Department is reportedly preparing a pilot programme that would allow tourist and business visa applicants to pay an extra $750 (around Rs 64,000) for quicker interview appointments. The fee would be charged in addition to the regular $185 B1/B2 visa application fee.

According to an Associated Press report citing internal documents, the pilot is expected to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026.

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How the New US Visa Premium Service Affects Indian Travellers

For Indians applying for US tourist (B1/B2) visas, the proposal could be particularly attractive.

Applicants choosing the premium option may be able to secure interview appointments at selected US embassies and consulates within 10 days of applying. That’s a major contrast to the lengthy appointment backlogs that many applicants continue to face in several countries.

The US government has not yet confirmed which embassies and consulates will participate in the pilot programme. Those details are expected before the launch date.

Faster Appointment, Not Faster Approval

There is an important catch. Paying the additional fee will only speed up access to a visa interview. It does not increase the chances of approval, guarantee visa issuance, or relax eligibility requirements.

Applicants will still need to meet all visa conditions and pass the interview process.

Part of a Wider Shift

The proposal arrives at a time when the Trump administration has tightened multiple immigration and visa-related procedures, including enhanced scrutiny of applicants and additional compliance requirements.

What stands out here is the growing trend of governments monetising speed. We’ve seen premium processing become common in immigration systems worldwide, and now visitor visas appear to be moving in the same direction.

What Travellers Should Know

If implemented, the premium service would:

• Costs an additional $750 (around Rs 64,000)
• Be available alongside the standard $185 visa fee
• Target B1/B2 tourist and business visa applicants
• Offer interview appointments within approximately 10 days
• Remain optional
• Provide no guarantee of visa approval

The State Department is also reportedly considering extending the programme beyond December 2026 if demand remains strong.

3 Other US Visa Pilot Programmes Being Tested

Alongside the proposed premium visa service, the US Consulate in Kolkata is testing three B1/B2 visa initiatives:

• Priority interview slots for parents aged 50+ visiting their children who are legally residing in the US.
• Faster visa appointments for eligible business travellers and genuine tourists.
• New B1/B2 visa sub-categories aimed at improving applicant screening and processing efficiency.

Take

We see clear demand for faster US visa appointments, especially among Indian business travellers and last-minute visitors. If time matters more than cost, this option could be worth considering.

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