What is the premium fee about?
The United States will let some tourist and business visa applicants pay an extra $750 to get an interview within 10 business days, under a new State Department pilot starting 1 July 2026.
The optional “premium” appointment is on top of the standard $185 visa application fee. It is laid out in a Federal Register notice and runs through 31 December 2026.
The pilot is capped. Expedited appointments are limited to a percentage of each post’s interviewing capacity, so regular wait times for other visa types should not be affected, per the State Department notice.
Only certain posts will take part. The list of participating embassies and consulates will be published on travel.state.gov.
What the fee does — and doesn’t — do
The $750 buys an earlier interview, nothing more. It does not speed up adjudication or improve your chances of approval, the State Department notice states.
Key conditions to know:
- Approval not guaranteed: You still must meet all eligibility rules and complete standard screening and vetting.
- No faster processing: The fee does not shorten administrative processing if your case needs it.
- Non-refundable: The $750 is lost if you miss or cancel the expedited appointment.
- Limited supply: Slots are offered in limited quantities at limited posts.
Free expedites still exist for genuine emergencies. Consular managers can fast-track interviews without charge for humanitarian or urgent reasons, such as serious medical treatment.
How to use it
You book a standard appointment first, then upgrade.
After scheduling a regular (non-expedited) interview at a participating post, you indicate you want an earlier slot and choose from expedited appointments in the next 10 business days, per the State Department’s process.
Check whether your post is taking part before paying. Confirm participation and current interview wait times on travel.state.gov first — at posts with short waits, the fee may not be worth it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the expedited US visa interview cost?
It is an extra $750 on top of the standard $185 B1/B2 application fee. The total comes to $935 before any other charges.
Does paying $750 improve my chances of getting a visa?
No. The fee only secures an earlier interview and has no effect on approval, screening or vetting.
Is the $750 fee refundable?
No. It is non-refundable if you miss or cancel the expedited appointment.
How long will the pilot run?
From 1 July to 31 December 2026 at selected posts. The participating embassies and consulates will be listed on travel.state.gov.
Sources
- US Department of State — Federal Register Notice on Expedited B Visa Appointment Fee
- US Department of State — Fees for Visa Services
- US Department of State — Visa Appointment Wait Times
- Fragomen — Certain Consular Posts May Offer Expedited B Visa Appointments for an Additional Fee
- U.S. News / Associated Press — Expedited Visa Interviews at Select Embassies for $750
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
