New $750 Paid Expedite Option for U.S. Tourist and Business Visa Appointments
New $750 Paid Expedite Option for U.S. Visitor Visa Appointments
The U.S. Department of State is testing a new program that allows certain B-visa applicants to pay an additional $750 per applicant for the opportunity to obtain an earlier visa interview appointment.
The program is currently available at selected U.S. embassies and consulates, including locations in Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Additional locations may be added during the pilot.
There is one point I want to make very clear:
The $750 fee pays for access to an earlier interview appointment. It does not expedite the visa decision, improve an applicant’s chances of approval, or guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The Department of State describes this as an optional Paid Expedite appointment program for eligible B-visa applicants. The pilot is currently scheduled to continue through December 31, 2026.
How Does the $750 Paid Expedite Program Work?
Eligible applicants for B visas, which generally cover temporary travel to the United States for business or tourism, may be offered the option to schedule an interview within the next 10 business days, subject to appointment availability.
The $750 is not a replacement for the regular visa application fee.
Applicants must first follow the normal process, including paying the standard $185 nonimmigrant visa application fee and scheduling a regular interview appointment. The $750 Paid Expedite fee is an additional charge.
If the applicant qualifies, the participating location offers the program, and expedited appointments are available, a “Paid Expedite” option may appear in the appointment system.
After selecting an expedited appointment date and time, the applicant must complete payment of the $750 fee within 10 minutes to secure that appointment.
Who May Qualify?
The pilot applies to eligible applicants for B visas who have a future interview appointment scheduled.
The option is not available everywhere, and it will not appear in the appointment system unless:
- the location participates in the pilot;
- expedited appointments are currently available; and
- the applicant meets the program’s eligibility requirements.
The Department of State allocates only a limited number of Paid Expedite appointments each day, so availability is not guaranteed.
Where Is the Program Available?
As of August 19, 2026, the Department of State lists these participating locations:
- Mexico — U.S. Embassy and all consulates: launched July 21, 2026
- Canada — U.S. Embassy and all consulates: launched August 18, 2026
- Bogotá, Colombia: launched August 18, 2026
- Guatemala City, Guatemala: launched August 18, 2026
- San José, Costa Rica: launched August 18, 2026
- Tegucigalpa, Honduras: launched August 18, 2026
The Department of State says additional pilot locations may be announced before the program concludes.
For applicants in Colombia, this means the Paid Expedite option became available through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá on August 18, subject to eligibility and available appointments.
Does $750 Get My Visa Approved Faster?
No.
This is the most important distinction to understand.
The Paid Expedite program allows an eligible applicant to obtain an earlier interview appointment only.
It does not provide:
- expedited visa adjudication;
- preferential treatment during the interview;
- reduced screening or vetting;
- a higher chance of approval; or
- a guarantee that the visa will be issued.
Every applicant must still establish eligibility for the visa under U.S. law, and applicants participating in the pilot undergo the same screening and vetting required of other visa applicants.
Important Rules Before Paying the $750
There are several conditions applicants should carefully consider.
The fee is nonrefundable
The $750 Paid Expedite fee is nonrefundable and non-transferable. If the visa is refused, the expedited appointment fee is not returned.
Paid Expedite appointments cannot be rescheduled
Once you schedule a Paid Expedite appointment, you cannot change that appointment through the Paid Expedite program.
If you cancel or miss the appointment, you forfeit the $750 fee.
If you later want another Paid Expedite appointment, you must pay another expedited appointment fee.
Each applicant pays separately
If several family members or members of a group want to use the Paid Expedite option, each applicant must pay the additional $750 fee.
The system may allow a group to be separated if only some members want the earlier appointment.
Interview-waiver cases cannot use it to accelerate processing
If you qualify for a visa interview waiver, you cannot simply pay the $750 fee to have your visa application processed more quickly.
The Paid Expedite program is for eligible applicants with scheduled interview appointments.
My Tips for Applicants
Do not pay the $750 believing it increases your chance of receiving a visa. It does not.
Schedule your regular appointment first. You generally need a future regular interview appointment before the Paid Expedite option can become available.
Check whether the option actually appears in your appointment account. The program is available only at participating locations and only when appointments are available.
Choose your expedited date carefully. Paid Expedite appointments cannot be rescheduled, and missing or canceling the appointment means losing the $750 fee.
Prepare for the interview carefully. Getting an earlier interview does not change the legal requirements for obtaining a B visa.
Use official Department of State information and the authorized visa appointment system. Be cautious of anyone claiming that an additional payment can guarantee approval of a U.S. visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a new $750 U.S. visa fee?
Not exactly. The $750 is an optional Paid Expedite appointment fee for eligible B-visa applicants at participating locations.
The standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for a B visa remains $185, and the $750 is paid in addition to that regular application fee.
Does the $750 guarantee an appointment within 10 business days?
The Paid Expedite program allows eligible applicants to select an interview appointment within the next 10 business days when appointments are available.
The number of expedited appointments is limited, so paying the fee is not an option unless the system first shows an available Paid Expedite appointment.
Does paying $750 guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. The Department of State specifically states that the program does not guarantee visa issuance. It only provides an earlier interview appointment.
What if my visa is refused after I paid $750?
The expedited appointment fee is not refunded if your visa application is refused.
Can I use Paid Expedite if my emergency appointment request was denied?
Potentially, yes. The Department of State says that someone whose regular emergency visitor-visa appointment request was denied may still use the Paid Expedite option if the applicant meets the program’s eligibility requirements and an appointment is available.
Can my entire family pay one $750 fee?
No. Each person who wants to use the Paid Expedite appointment must pay the $750 fee individually.
Can I change my Paid Expedite appointment after paying?
No. Paid Expedite appointments cannot be rescheduled. If you cancel or miss the appointment, you forfeit the fee. To obtain another Paid Expedite appointment, another expedited appointment fee would be required.
What Applicants Should Know Before Deciding
For someone who has an urgent business trip, family visit, vacation, or another reason to travel, an earlier visa interview may be valuable.
But before paying an additional $750 per applicant, it is important to understand exactly what the program offers.
You are paying for the opportunity to obtain an earlier interview appointment—not for faster visa processing, preferential treatment, or approval.
Whether the expense makes sense will depend on the applicant’s travel circumstances, current appointment date, availability of Paid Expedite appointments, and ability to attend the earlier appointment.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general immigration information and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility and issuance are determined by the U.S. Department of State based on each applicant’s circumstances and applicable U.S. law. Government fees, participating locations, appointment availability, and procedures may change.
Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney
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