US Introduces $750 Premium Service To Fast-Track Visa Interviews

The United States Department of State has introduced a new $750 premium service that allows B1/B2 visa applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 business days, as part of a pilot programme aimed at reducing lengthy wait times for travellers seeking visitor visas.

In a notice published in the Federal Register, the State Department said the optional expedited service will be available at selected US embassies and consulates from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension.

The premium service is designed for applicants seeking B1/B2 visas for business and tourism purposes and comes amid growing concerns over long visa interview backlogs at many US diplomatic missions worldwide.

Under the programme, applicants who choose the fast-track option will pay an additional $750 on top of the standard $185 visa application fee. However, the State Department stressed that paying for the expedited appointment does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements.

The move could provide some relief to travellers affected by immigration restrictions introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration as part of efforts to curb migration into the United States.

Several African countries, including Nigeria, have been affected by stricter visa measures. Some nationals already face the possibility of paying visa bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas, while a number of African countries remain under partial US travel restrictions.

The restrictions, coupled with high demand for visas, have contributed to prolonged waiting periods for interview appointments, making it difficult for some applicants to secure visas for urgent travel.

In Abuja, the average waiting time for a B1/B2 visa interview currently stands at about 11.5 months.

The State Department did not disclose which embassies and consulates will participate in the premium appointment programme.

The announcement also came amid reports that the number of US embassies and consulates processing visa applications across Africa could be significantly reduced. Last month, reports indicated that nearly 50 diplomatic missions currently handling visa applications on the continent may be consolidated to about 20 locations.

Officials said the pilot programme will be reviewed at the end of the year to determine whether it should be expanded or extended beyond December 2026.