The Department of State (DOS) announced a pilot program for expedited nonimmigrant visa appointments. The program runs from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. As a pilot, it only applies at select U.S. embassies and consulates rather than worldwide.
The program applies to B-1/B-2 visa applicants making new appointments or holding unexpired machine-readable visa (MRV) fee receipts. Applicants first complete the standard process, paying the usual $185 MRV fee and scheduling a regular interview. If expedited slots are available at a participating post, applicants can then pay an additional $750 fee to secure an interview within 10 business days. Once selected, the $750 payment must be completed within 10 minutes to hold the appointment, and the fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and forfeited if the appointment is missed.
The pilot began with Mission Mexico (the U.S. Embassy and all consulates in Mexico), effective July 21, 2026. DOS has indicated it may add posts throughout the remainder of the pilot period. Importantly, this program only changes how quickly an applicant gets an interview — it doesn’t change the visa screening process itself, and paying the fee doesn’t speed up adjudication, guarantee approval, or bypass any security or eligibility requirements.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.