The US premium visa service allows B1/B2 applicants to pay $750 for interview appointments within 10 business days in a new pilot programme at selected embassies responding to long wait times

The United States Department of State has introduced a new premium expedited service for B1/B2 visa applicants, enabling travellers to pay an additional $750 for interview appointments scheduled within 10 business days.

The pilot programme, announced in a Federal Register notice on June 9, 2026, will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and will be available only at selected US embassies and consulates worldwide.

This optional add-on aims to ease pressure from surging demand and extended waiting periods that have frustrated many applicants, particularly in countries with high volumes of travel requests.

In Abuja, Nigeria, for instance, the average wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview currently stands at around 11.5 months.

A State Department rule explained the rationale: “At certain posts wait times exceed 12 months, making it difficult for some applicants to apply for visas for urgent or last-minute travel.”

The initiative also anticipates increased demand linked to major global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Applicants must first complete the standard visa application process and pay the regular $185 fee before opting into the premium service for an earlier slot.

Officials stressed that paying the expedite fee does not guarantee visa approval.

“This temporary final rule is designed to collect information from select countries about the demand for a fee-based process to expedite a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment,” the department stated.

The US premium visa service reflects broader efforts to modernise scheduling systems while maintaining rigorous security vetting and eligibility checks.

It aligns with global practices in which some nations offer paid fast-track options for high-demand consular services.

Industry observers welcome the move as a practical response to genuine bottlenecks, though some have noted that the substantial additional cost may limit access mainly to business travellers and those with urgent needs.

The State Department described the programme as a cost-recovery pilot intended to test market demand without discouraging standard applications. It will monitor uptake closely before considering any wider rollout.

This development offers a measure of relief for eligible applicants facing prolonged delays, even as the core visa process continues to prioritise thorough scrutiny to protect US borders and national interests.