Visa intelligence
US visa updates
Changes that affect applicants, each one linked to the official source it came from. We publish only what we can point at.
- Medium
Public Charge Bonds for Immigrant Visa Applicants
The U.S. Department of State announced that public charge bonds may be required for certain immigrant visa applicants who are determined to be inadmissible under the public charge ground. Consular officers may request a bond in qualifying cases, with the bond amount determined according to applicable procedures
U.S. Department of StateCGI Portal
- Medium
Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program
The Department of State is testing a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) expedited appointment program at select U.S. embassies and consulates through December 31, 2026. Applicants at participating locations may choose whether to utilise this optional, voluntary program. This program provides the Department of State with another tool to efficiently manage processing of visa applications for individuals with urgent travel needs, while maintaining the highest standards of security vetting and screening. Under the pilot program, eligible applicants for B visas – those making new appointments or holding existing appointments with unexpired MRV fee receipts – may pay a $750 fee per appointment to schedule a visa interview within 10 business days (subject to availability). Applicants must first follow the usual process to pay the $185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment. Pilot posts will allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited appointment program. If expedited appointments are available, these appointments will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments. After an applicant selects an expedited appointment date and time, the $750 fee payment must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the appointment. Once made, an expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed. Missed appointments will result in the forfeiture of the fee. The expedited appointment fee is not refundable.
U.S. Department of StateCGI Portal
- High
Current Policy & Operational Updates
Expedited Pilot Program: Running through December 31, 2026, applicants at select posts can pay a $750 premium expedite fee. This is separate from the standard $185 MRV application fee, bringing total upfront costs to $935. It does not guarantee visa approval, only an interview slot. Expedited Pilot Program: Running through December 31, 2026, applicants at select posts can pay a $750 premium expedite fee. This is separate from the standard $185 MRV application fee, bringing total upfront costs to $935. It does not guarantee visa approval, only an interview slot. Interview Mandates: Prior age-based interview waivers or flexibilities for certain children or older applicants have seen tightened constraints, reinforcing strict in-person verifications at consular offices.
USCISB1/B2 (Visitor)
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