The United States Department of State is set to launch a new premium visa interview service that will allow foreign travelers seeking business and tourist visas to secure interview appointments within 10 days for an additional fee of $750.
The pilot programme, scheduled to commence on July 1 and run through December 31, is aimed at reducing lengthy visa appointment backlogs that have frustrated applicants across the world.
Under the initiative, applicants will pay the expedited service fee in addition to the standard non-immigrant visa application fee.
According to documents obtained by Per Second News, the optional premium service will be available at selected U.S. embassies and consulates, with the list of participating missions expected to be announced before the programme takes effect.
The State Department said applicants who opt for the service will be guaranteed a visa interview appointment within 10 days of payment. However, officials stressed that the premium fee does not guarantee visa approval, as all applicants must still satisfy existing eligibility requirements
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The move comes amid growing complaints over prolonged visa processing delays, with wait times for interview appointments in some countries stretching into several months.
Industry observers say the programme could be particularly attractive to business executives, investors, conference attendees and tourists requiring urgent travel to the United States.
The initiative also follows a series of stricter immigration and visa screening measures introduced in recent years, including enhanced vetting procedures and additional documentation requirements for applicants from certain countries.
A State Department official said the programme’s future will depend on demand and operational performance during the six-month trial period.
If successful, the expedited interview service could be expanded beyond December and introduced at more U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide.
The announcement is expected to generate significant interest among visa applicants seeking faster access to interview appointments amid persistent global backlogs.
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