New $750 Paid Expedite Option for U.S. Visitor Visa Appointments

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.

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.