Last verified: September 9, 2026. The U.S. Department of State is running a temporary paid expedited-appointment pilot for eligible B-visa applicants at selected embassies and consulates. Where appointments are available, an eligible applicant may pay an additional US$750 per appointment to schedule an interview within the next 10 business days.
Important: This option provides an earlier interview only. It does not guarantee visa approval, faster visa processing after the interview, or reduced security screening.
What is the U.S. paid expedite pilot?
The pilot gives certain B-visa applicants an optional way to look for an earlier interview slot. It is being tested through December 31, 2026, although availability is limited and additional locations may be announced.
The paid option is separate from a normal emergency-appointment request. Applicants who do not qualify for an emergency request, or whose emergency request was refused, may still see the paid option if they meet all pilot requirements.
Who may qualify?
The pilot is designed for applicants seeking a visitor or business visa in the B category, including common B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 applications. To access the option, an applicant generally needs to:
- apply at a participating U.S. embassy or consulate;
- pay the regular US$185 nonimmigrant visa application fee;
- schedule a regular future interview appointment first;
- have a valid, unexpired MRV fee receipt;
- meet the normal eligibility and security requirements; and
- find an available Paid Expedite slot in the official appointment system.
The option will not appear if the location is not participating, no expedited slots remain, or the applicant does not meet the criteria.
Participating locations and launch dates
| Location | Pilot launch date |
|---|---|
| Mission Mexico: U.S. Embassy and all consulates | July 21, 2026 |
| Mission Canada: U.S. Embassy and all consulates | August 18, 2026 |
| U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia | August 18, 2026 |
| U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala | August 18, 2026 |
| U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica | August 18, 2026 |
| U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras | August 18, 2026 |
The State Department may add more pilot posts. Always check the official notice and the appointment portal for the location where you plan to apply.
How much does it cost?
- Regular MRV fee: US$185 for a B visa.
- Paid Expedite fee: US$750 for each appointment.
- Total before optional services: US$935 per applicant.
Each person in a family or group who wants a paid expedited appointment must pay the additional fee. The expedite payment is non-refundable and non-transferable, including when a visa is refused.
How to request a Paid Expedite appointment
- Complete the normal B-visa application process for your location.
- Pay the standard MRV fee.
- Schedule the first available regular interview appointment.
- Sign back into the official appointment account and choose Continue.
- Select Request Expedite.
- If eligible and available, choose Paid Expedite.
- Select an offered interview date and time.
- Complete the US$750 payment within 10 minutes to secure the slot.
Use only the appointment website linked by the official U.S. embassy or consulate. Do not pay an agent who claims to control embassy appointment inventory.
Rules applicants should understand
- Only a limited number of paid appointments are offered each day.
- The selected Paid Expedite appointment cannot be rescheduled.
- Missing or cancelling the appointment means losing the US$750 fee.
- Interview-waiver applicants cannot use the pilot to speed up interview-waiver processing.
- Paying does not improve approval chances.
- Normal documentary, eligibility, security and background checks still apply.
Scam warning
The paid expedite option appears only inside the official appointment account after a regular appointment has been scheduled. Be cautious if anyone promises a guaranteed visa, requests payment through a personal bank or mobile-wallet account, or claims to sell a private embassy slot.
Frequently asked questions
Does US$750 guarantee a U.S. visa?
No. It only buys access to an earlier interview slot when one is available. The consular officer makes the visa decision under U.S. law.
Can I use it without booking a regular appointment first?
No. The official guidance says applicants must first pay the MRV fee and schedule a regular future appointment.
Can I reschedule a Paid Expedite appointment?
No. The paid appointment can be scheduled only once. Missing or cancelling it forfeits the expedite fee.
Can an interview-waiver applicant pay to speed up processing?
No. The pilot is for applicants with scheduled interview appointments.
Official source
U.S. Department of State: Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program
GlobalVisora is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Visa rules and appointment availability can change. Confirm the latest instructions with the responsible embassy or consulate before paying any fee.