The United States is launching a new expedited appointment program for B-1/B-2 visas. Find out who will be eligible, how much it will cost, and how the new mechanism will work starting in July 2026

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The United States is preparing to test a new process for applicants for tourist and business visas. Starting July 1, 2026, select U.S. consular offices will begin offering the option to schedule a B-1/B-2 visa interview on an expedited basis for an additional fee.

The initiative is being launched as a pilot project and will run through December 31, 2026. It is intended to assist applicants who cannot wait for a standard appointment due to long wait times, which in some countries already exceed one year.

International businesses are increasingly facing issues related to visa processing, employee relocation, and entering new markets. In such situations, it is important to have a reliable legal partner who can help quickly assess risks and find the optimal solution. 

A personal business attorney supports the company at every stage of development—from registration to international expansion and opening representative offices abroad.

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What does the new program entail?

According to a decision by the U.S. Department of State, program participants will be able to receive an interview date within 10 business days of scheduling, provided they pay an additional fee of $750.

It is important to understand that this option applies only to expedited interview scheduling. The actual review of the application, security checks, and the decision on visa issuance will proceed as usual.

In other words, the additional fee does not guarantee a visa and does not affect the applicant’s chances of approval. It merely allows for a faster interview appointment at the consulate.

In 2026, the U.S. changed its approach to processing green cards for holders of temporary visas; more details are available at the link. 

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Who is eligible for the new service?

The pilot program applies exclusively to non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visas, which are used for:

- Tourist travel;

- Business visits;

- Participation in conferences and exhibitions;

- Short-term negotiations;

- Visiting relatives and friends;

- Medical travel.

The State Department will publish a separate list of U.S. consulates and embassies participating in the program. However, even at participating consulates, the number of expedited slots will be limited.

New ESTA rules for travel to the U.S. are covered in this article. 

How will the process work? 

To receive an expedited interview, the applicant must complete the standard visa application process:

Step 1 – Complete the DS-160 form.

Step 2 – Pay the standard consular fee (MRV).

Step 3 – Select a regular interview date.

Step 4 – If the consulate is participating in the pilot program, the system will offer the option to select an expedited date.

Step 5 – After that, you will need to pay an additional fee of $750.

After successful payment, the applicant will be able to schedule an interview within the next 10 business days, subject to availability.

The H-1B visa remains one of the most popular paths to legal employment in the U.S. Read more about this visa in our previous article. 

Why is the U.S. launching this new mechanism? 

The State Department explains that the goal of the project is to assess demand for paid expedited scheduling and optimize the use of consular resources.

Currently, the U.S. already has an expedited scheduling procedure for humanitarian cases or urgent travel. However, each such request requires individual review by consular staff. The new fee-based model is intended to partially reduce the workload on staff and provide an additional tool for those willing to pay for faster access to an interview.

At the same time, the humanitarian and emergency appointment procedures will remain available without change.

The top 20 U.S. attractions that everyone should see are listed in this article. 

Will this change affect other visa categories? 

According to preliminary estimates by U.S. authorities, the new service should not significantly impact processing times for other non-immigrant categories.

Expedited interviews will be limited to a certain percentage of the total number of available interviews, so applicants for work, student, and other visas should not face a significant increase in wait times.

What should applicants keep in mind? 

It remains unclear which consular offices will participate in the program and how many expedited appointments will be available at each location.

For travelers, business representatives, and companies that regularly send employees on business trips to the U.S., this new option could be a useful tool in cases where time is of the essence.

At the same time, applicants should keep in mind that even after a fast-track interview, the visa application may be referred for additional administrative review. In such cases, the processing times for receiving a passport with a visa will remain standard, regardless of the expedited fee paid.

If the pilot project yields positive results, U.S. authorities may extend it beyond the test period or even expand it to other consular offices worldwide.

The new U.S. visa processing rules once again demonstrate how quickly international migration and business procedures can change. For companies that regularly send employees on business trips, participate in international exhibitions, or plan to enter the U.S. market, timely legal support becomes critically important. 

A personal business attorney can help organize the processing of work and business visas, prepare the necessary documents, and assist with employee relocation or the launch of a business abroad. Additionally, a specialist helps minimize tax and legal risks, resolve document management issues, and facilitate interactions with foreign partners. This comprehensive approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on business development without wasting time on complex bureaucratic procedures.

Contact a personal business attorney and get a customized solution for your company’s international expansion!

Reminder! The U.S. remains one of the main destinations for labor migration, but in 2026, employment conditions for foreigners have changed significantly—visa fees have increased, screening has become stricter, and the H-1B lottery has adopted new selection rules. At the same time, demand for qualified professionals in the technology, medical, and financial sectors continues to grow. We’ve already covered the current requirements for work visas, salaries, sponsoring companies, and a step-by-step strategy for finding a job in the United States. 

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