The US State Department has launched a $750 “premium” expedited service for B1/B2 visa applicants, guaranteeing interview appointments within 10 business days.
The pilot runs July 1 to Dec 31, 2026, at select embassies and consulates.
In a June 9 notice in the federal register, the department said the fast-tracked interview appointments will only happen at select embassies and consulates.
The regular B1/B2 visa fee remains $185, with the $750 add-on paid separately. Paying does not guarantee visa approval, the department said. Posts offering the service were not named.
The move comes as wait times stretch for months. In Abuja, applicants now wait an average of 11.5 months for interviews. Longer delays have hit travellers needing urgent trips.
The announcement also follows reports that some African nationals, including Nigerians, may face visa bonds up to $15,000. Several African countries are also under US partial travel suspensions, adding to visa hurdles.
