From July through December 2026, some visitor visa applicants can pay extra for a faster interview. Here is how it works — and what it will not do.

Waiting months — sometimes more than a year — for a visitor visa interview is a real problem for families trying to bring relatives to visit. The State Department has launched a new, optional way to get an interview faster, for a price.

The basics

  • The fee is $750 per person, on top of the regular visitor visa fee (currently $185) — so about $935 in total.
  • It applies ONLY to B-1/B-2 visitor visas (business or tourism). It does NOT apply to student, work, or immigrant visas.
  • If you pay, the goal is an interview appointment within about 10 business days.
  • It is a pilot program running July 1 through December 31, 2026, and only at certain U.S. embassies and consulates (the list is posted at travel.state.gov).

Very important — what the $750 does NOT do

  • It does NOT guarantee your visa will be approved. You still go through the same review and interview.
  • It does NOT speed up “administrative processing” or security checks if your case is flagged.
  • It is NON-refundable. If you miss or cancel the appointment, or your visa is denied, you do not get the money back.

How it works

  • First, complete the DS-160 form and pay the regular visa fee.
  • Schedule a normal appointment.
  • If your consulate offers expedited slots and one is available, you can select it and pay the $750 — usually within just a few minutes, or the slot is released.

Is it worth it?

  • It may make sense for urgent, time-sensitive travel — a family emergency, a wedding, or a critical business meeting.
  • It may not be worth it for routine travel, since it only speeds up the interview, not the decision.
  • Free expedited-appointment options still exist for genuine emergencies and humanitarian situations — ask about those first.

Need help with any of this? Call The Anwari Law Firm at (703) 348-8448 to speak with our team about your situation.

This article is general information from The Anwari Law Firm, PC and is not legal advice. Immigration rules are changing quickly; details are current as of July 2026. Please contact us about your specific case.

Posted in: Immigration

posted on: July 14, 2026

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