The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) creating a $750 fee for expedited B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointments. The rule will be effective from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and written comments are due by July 9, 2026.

Background and Purpose

DOS describes the rule as a pilot “proof-of-concept” program to assess demand for a fee-based expedited interview scheduling option. While average global wait times for NIV interviews are approximately 30 days, some posts currently face wait times exceeding 12 months, creating challenges for applicants with urgent or short-notice travel needs. Current expedite requests require individualized review, which can strain consular resources. The new option is intended to streamline access to faster interview scheduling without requiring justification or government sponsorship, while reducing administrative burden and giving applicants a more predictable path to an earlier appointment.

How the New Service Works

• Eligible applicants may pay a $750 expedited interview fee, in addition to the standard $185 application fee.
• DOS will offer appointments within 10 business days, where capacity exists.
• Expedited appointments will be capped at a percentage of each post’s total capacity.
• Applicants may also receive enhanced passport return (“passback”) options, if available at the post.

Importantly, the fee applies only to interview scheduling, not visa adjudication. Standard eligibility requirements remain unchanged, and administrative processing will not be expedited. The TFR does not eliminate or replace existing no-fee expedite options. Consular officers will continue to have discretion to grant expedited appointments without charge for certain circumstances.

This temporary rule creates a new fee-based option for applicants seeking faster B-1/B-2 interview appointments. While it may provide greater flexibility and predictability, it does not change visa eligibility standards or expedite adjudication after the interview. DOS is expected to publish participating posts on travel.state.gov, and further updates may follow after the pilot ends on December 31, 2026.