Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Program: A Traveler's Guide

Long visa interview times have made trip planning difficult for many international travelers hoping to visit the United States. In response, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a new option that may allow some applicants to secure interview appointments sooner. 

Under a pilot program announced in June 2026, eligible travelers may obtain an expedited B1/B2 visa interview by paying an additional expedited visa interview fee through a $750 expedited visa appointment option. The expedited US visitor visa interview service is expected to provide interview appointments within approximately 10 business days at participating locations. 

For travelers planning family visits, business trips, medical appointments, or other time-sensitive travel, the program may offer an opportunity to move forward with travel arrangements more quickly. However, an earlier interview appointment is only part of the visa process. Applicants should understand the limitations of the service before deciding if the additional cost is worth it. 

What Is the New Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Program? 

A B1/B2 visa is nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily for business or tourism. 

In some countries, applicants face long US visa interview appointment wait times before they can attend a visa interview. To provide another scheduling option, the U.S. Department of State introduced a premium visa interview service for eligible applicants. 

The program offers an expedited B1/B2 visa interview scheduling option that may allow travelers to obtain a US visa interview within 10 days. While some applicants may view it as a fast-track US visitor visa interview, the expedited US visitor visa interview service only affects interview scheduling. It does not change visa eligibility requirements or approval standards. 

Who Is Eligible for the $750 Expedited Interview Service? 

The expedited interview service is available to eligible applicants seeking a B1 or B2 visitor visa. Applicants must still complete the standard visa application process and schedule a B1 B2 visa interview appointment through the appropriate visa appointment system. 

Travelers asking, "Can I expedite my B1/B2 visa interview?" should note that the service is limited to participating locations and may not be available for all US embassy interview appointments. Availability can vary by country and consular post. 

The program may be particularly relevant in locations experiencing long US visa interview appointment wait times or a significant US visa interview backlog. In those situations, an earlier interview appointment may help travelers move forward with their plans sooner. 

How Much Does the Expedited Visa Interview Cost? 

Applicants who choose the expedited interview option must pay the standard visa application fee plus an additional expedited visa interview fee. The program adds a $750 expedited visa appointment fee per applicant for access to an earlier interview appointment. 

What the Expedited Visa Interview Fee Covers 

The expedited visa interview fee provides access to an earlier interview appointment through the expedited US visitor visa interview program. The fee only affects interview scheduling and does not change visa eligibility requirements, approval standards, or post-interview processing. 

Does Paying Extra Improve Your Chances of Visa Approval? 

An earlier interview appointment does not affect the outcome of a visa application. For travelers asking, “Does paying extra guarantee US visa approval?”, the additional fee only provides access to an earlier appointment date. 

Applicants are evaluated under the same requirements as every other B1/B2 visa applicant. The expedited option does not change visa eligibility requirements, provide consideration during the review process, exempt applicants from security screening or background checks, waive supporting document requirements, or replace any required steps in the application process. 

The expedited interview service only reduces the wait for an interview; it does not change how a visa application is reviewed or decided. 

Interview Scheduling vs. US Visitor Visa Processing 

The expedited service may reduce the wait for an interview, but it does not shorten US visitor visa processing after the interview. 

For travelers asking, "How long does US visitor visa processing take after the interview?", processing times vary by case. Additional review, supporting document requests, or administrative processing may affect how long a final decision takes. 

Applicants should also keep in mind that published US tourist visa interview wait times do not include processing time after the interview. 

Is the $750 Expedited Visa Interview Worth It? 

The value of the expedited interview service depends on a traveler's circumstances. An earlier interview appointment may be beneficial for travelers who want greater certainty when planning a trip to the United States. Business trips, family visits, graduations, weddings, medical appointments, and other time-sensitive travel plans are examples of situations where securing an earlier appointment may be important. 

When considering Is the $750 expedited visa interview worth it, travelers should weigh the urgency of their trip, the availability of standard interview appointments, and the additional cost of the service. In locations experiencing B1/B2 visa appointment delays, some travelers may find added value in the opportunity to secure an earlier interview date. 

Key Considerations Before Paying the Additional Fee 

Before paying the additional $750 fee for expedited service, travelers may want to consider the following: 

• The urgency of their travel plans 
• The availability of standard interview appointments 
• The total cost for all applicants included in the trip 
• The flexibility of their travel dates 
• The potential impact of waiting longer for an interview appointment 

The answers to these questions may help travelers determine if the expedited option provides enough value for their situation. 

Should You Book Flights Before Receiving Visa Approval? 

An earlier interview appointment may make it easier to plan a trip, but travelers should still be cautious about booking nonrefundable flights, hotels, or other travel services before receiving a visa. Receiving an interview appointment does not guarantee visa approval. Trip plans may need to change if a visa is delayed or denied. 

When possible, travelers should choose refundable bookings or options that allow changes until a visa has been issued. Once a visa has been approved and travel dates are set, travelers may also want to explore visitor insurance for USA trips. Coverage and benefits vary by plan; therefore, travelers should understand what is covered before purchasing a policy. 

Preparing for Your Trip: Visitor Insurance Once Your Visa Is Confirmed 

Once travel dates are set, travelers can start arranging medical coverage for their trip. 

Many visitors purchase visitor insurance for USA trips to cover eligible medical expenses during their stay. Depending on the plan, US visitor medical insurance may cover doctor visits, hospitalization, urgent care, emergency medical evacuation, and other qualified medical needs. 

Travelers comparing travel medical insurance for visitors should review plan benefits, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements before purchasing a policy. For travelers asking, “When should I buy visitor insurance for a US trip?”, many choose to purchase coverage after their visa has been approved and travel dates have been finalized. 

Families planning visits for parents and relatives may also ask, “Do I need visitors insurance for parents visiting the USA?” While not required for entry, many travelers choose coverage because medical care in the United States can be expensive.