US State Department Launches $750 Expedited Visa Appointment Pilot Program

The U.S. Department of State is testing a new pilot program that allows B visa applicants at select embassies and consulates to pay $750 for an expedited appointment within 10 business days. The program runs through December 31, 2026, and is currently available at Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) , with additional locations possible. Applicants must first pay the standard $185 MRV fee and schedule a regular appointment. If expedited slots are available for US Visa applications, they will be visible during scheduling. The $750 fee must be paid within 10 minutes to secure the appointment, and it is non-refundable and non-transferable. Expedited appointments cannot be rescheduled, and missed appointments result in forfeiture of the fee. Importantly, the fee only provides an earlier interview - it does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting process. This program is optional and voluntary. Read on for complete details about eligibility, costs, restrictions, and frequently asked questions.

US State Department Launches $750 Expedited Visa Appointment Pilot Program

Getting a U.S. visa appointment has long been a challenge for international travelers, students, and business professionals. Wait times at some embassies and consulates can stretch for months, making it difficult to plan travel with confidence. The U.S. Department of State is testing a new solution: a paid expedited appointment pilot program. For a $750 fee, eligible B visa applicants at select locations can secure an interview within 10 business days - subject to availability.

This program is designed to provide the Department with another tool to efficiently manage visa processing for individuals with urgent travel needs, while maintaining the highest standards of security vetting and screening. It is optional and voluntary. Applicants can choose whether to participate. The pilot program launched on July 21, 2026, at Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) . Additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the pilot period, which runs through December 31, 2026.

Important: The expedited appointment fee does not guarantee visa issuance. Every applicant must still meet all eligibility requirements under U.S. law and undergo thorough screening. The fee only provides an earlier appointment, not faster processing or a guaranteed outcome. If you are a business traveler, tourist, or someone with urgent travel needs, this program could help you get an appointment faster. But you need to understand the rules, costs, and restrictions before you pay.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything about the U.S. Expedited Visa Appointment Pilot Program: how it works, who qualifies, costs, restrictions, and frequently asked questions.

Program Details at a Glance

Program Name: Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program
Agency: U.S. Department of State
Visa Categories: B visas (Tourist/Business)
Expedited Fee: $750 per appointment (in addition to $185 MRV fee)
Appointment Window: Within 10 business days (subject to availability)
Program Launch: July 21, 2026
Program End: December 31, 2026
Current Locations: Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates)
Additional Locations: Possible throughout pilot period
Fee Refund: Non-refundable and non-transferable
Appointment Rescheduling: Not allowed
Visa Guarantee: No – fee only provides an earlier appointment

Read - US Ends Forever Student Loophole: New Rules for F, J, and I Visas

How the Program Works

The expedited appointment program follows a specific process. Here is how it works step-by-step.

Step 1: Pay the Standard MRV Fee

All applicants must first pay the standard $185 nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fee.
This is the usual visa application fee required for all B visa applicants.

Step 2: Schedule a Regular Appointment

Follow the usual process to schedule a regular visa interview appointment at a participating embassy or consulate.
You must have a regular appointment scheduled in the future to access the "Paid Expedite" option.

Step 3: Check for Expedited Availability

Pilot posts allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited program.
If expedited appointments are available, they will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments.

Step 4: Select Expedited Appointment

If available, you will see the "Paid Expedite" option when logged into your account.
Select an expedited appointment date and time within the next 10 business days.

Step 5: Pay the Expedited Fee

The $750 expedited appointment fee must be paid within 10 minutes to secure the appointment.
Payment is made online through the scheduling system.

Step 6: Attend Your Appointment

Attend your expedited appointment on the scheduled date and time.
Expedited appointments cannot be rescheduled or changed.

Step 7: Undergo Standard Vetting

All applicants undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting process.
Use of the expedited pilot does not guarantee visa issuance.

Who Qualifies?

The "Paid Expedite" option is available to specific applicants. Here is who qualifies.

Eligibility Requirements:

Visa Category: B visas (Tourist/Business) only
Regular Appointment Scheduled: You must have a future regular interview appointment scheduled
Participating Location: The option is only available in certain countries (currently Mission Mexico)
System Availability: The "Paid Expedite" option will only display if expedited appointments are available

Who Does NOT Qualify:

Applicants who qualify for the interview waiver process (renewal without interview)
Applicants applying for visa categories other than B (e.g., student visas, work visas)
Applicants in countries where the pilot program has not launched

Read - Scholarship in USA for World Students 2026

Key Restrictions

The expedited appointment program comes with strict rules. Understanding these restrictions is essential.

1. No Rescheduling

Expedited appointments can only be scheduled one time.
Rescheduling is not allowed.
Choose a date and time you can definitely attend.

2. No Refund

The $750 expedited fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you miss your appointment, you forfeit the fee.
If your visa is refused, the fee is not refunded.

3. No Guarantee of Visa Issuance

The expedited fee only provides an earlier appointment.
It does not guarantee visa approval.
Every applicant must meet all eligibility requirements under U.S. law.

4. Time Limit for Payment

The $750 fee must be paid within 10 minutes of selecting an expedited appointment.
Failure to pay in time will result in losing the appointment slot.

5. Missed Appointments

Missed appointments result in forfeiture of the expedited fee.
If your MRV fee was paid less than one year ago, you may be able to reschedule a regular appointment without additional cost.
To schedule another expedited appointment, you must pay another $750 fee.

Current Participating Locations

As of the announcement, the following locations are participating:

Mission Mexico

U.S. Embassy Mexico City
All U.S. Consulates in Mexico

Launch Date: July 21, 2026

Additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the pilot period, which runs through December 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a "Paid Expedite" appointment?

A "Paid Expedite" appointment is an option where each applicant pays an additional $750 to schedule a B visa appointment within the **next 10 business days. The expedited fee is separate from and in addition to the standard $185 MRV visa application fee.

Q2: I need an earlier appointment but my reason does not meet emergency criteria. What should I do?

You may be able to pay $750 for an expedited appointment (if available at your location). First, schedule a regular appointment. Then, log in to your account, click "Continue," select "Request Expedite," and choose the "Paid Expedite" option.

Q3: Does the $750 fee guarantee my visa will be approved?

No. The fee only provides an earlier appointment. It does not guarantee visa issuance. Every applicant must still meet all eligibility requirements and undergo thorough screening.

Q4: Can I reschedule my expedited appointment?

No. Expedited appointments can only be scheduled one time. Rescheduling is not allowed. Choose a date and time you can definitely attend.

Q5: What happens if I miss my expedited appointment?

You will forfeit the $750 expedited fee. If your MRV fee was paid less than one year ago, you may be able to reschedule a regular appointment without additional cost. To schedule another expedited appointment, you must pay another $750 fee.

Q6: Can I get a refund if my visa is refused?

No. The expedited appointment fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. It only provides an earlier appointment, and you must still qualify for a visa under U.S. law.

Q7: If I applied with a group, do we each need to pay the expedited fee?

Yes. Each applicant in the group must pay the $750 expedited appointment fee. However, the system will present the option to separate the group if you want to schedule a "Paid Expedite" appointment for only certain members.

Q8: I qualify for interview waiver (renewal). Can I pay the expedited fee for faster processing?

No. Only applicants with scheduled interview appointments qualify. Interview waiver applicants cannot use the paid expedite option.

Q9: If my regular emergency request was denied, can I still pay for expedited appointment?

Yes. Applicants whose regular emergency visitor appointment request was denied can schedule a "Paid Expedite" appointment if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q10: If I cancel my expedited appointment, do I get a refund?

No. The expedited appointment fee is non-refundable. If you cancel, you forfeit the fee.

Q11: Are there premium delivery options with the expedited appointment?

Applicants who pay the expedited appointment fee may select one of the premium delivery options (if available) at no additional cost.

Q12: Where is the program available?

Currently, the pilot is available at Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) . Additional locations may be announced throughout the pilot period.

Q13: How long does the pilot program last?

The program runs through December 31, 2026.

Q14: How do I know if the "Paid Expedite" option is available?

The "Paid Expedite" option will only display if it is available in the country where the appointment is being scheduled, expedited appointments are available, and you meet all eligibility criteria.

Tips for Applicants

Check eligibility first - Ensure your location participates in the pilot program.
Have your payment method ready - The $750 fee must be paid within 10 minutes of selecting an expedited appointment.
Choose a date you can commit to - Expedited appointments cannot be rescheduled.
Prepare thoroughly - The expedited appointment does not guarantee approval. Prepare all required documents and be ready for the interview.
Understand the cost - The $750 fee is in addition to the $185 MRV fee. Total cost: $935 per applicant.
Check your MRV fee receipt - If your MRV fee was paid more than one year ago, you may need to pay again.