U.S. Department of State launches expedited visa appointment pilot program

The U.S. Department of State has launched a pilot program offering expedited B1/B2 tourist visa appointments. Under this initiative, applicants can secure an interview within approximately 10 business days by paying an additional $750 fee on top of the mandatory $185 MRV fee.

To utilize the service, applicants must first pay the standard fee and schedule a regular appointment. If expedited slots are available, the additional fee must be paid within 10 minutes to secure the new date. The fee is non-refundable and the appointment cannot be changed once confirmed. The program does not guarantee visa approval, as the evaluation process remains identical to regular appointments.

The pilot program is active in several locations, including missions in Canada and Mexico, as well as consulates in Bogotá, Guatemala City, San José, and Tegucigalpa. In Bogotá, the program is scheduled to run until December 31, 2026.