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.