The State Department is set to introduce a “premium” expedited service for international visitors, allowing business and tourist visa applicants to fast-track their interviews for an additional $750 on top of the standard $185 fee.
Details of the pilot program, which will be published in the Federal Register this week, indicate that applicants paying the $750 will be able to schedule an interview within 10 days at select U.S. embassies and consulates.
The initiative is slated to run from July 1 to December 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and an anonymous State Department official.
This new offering is seen as a potential measure to alleviate the significant backlogs and difficulties in entering the United States, which were exacerbated by the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies.
That administration implemented a crackdown on most forms of foreign migration, including demanding bonds of up to $15,000 for visa processing in some nations, particularly in Africa, and requiring extensive vetting of personal histories, including social media accounts.
These previous requirements led to widespread delays in visa processing globally, drawing numerous complaints.
Wait times for visa interviews for citizens from countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program can currently stretch for several months or more. However, it is important to note that opting for this “optional premium add-on service” does not guarantee visa issuance.
The specific embassies and consulates where this expedited service will be available are expected to be announced before the July 1 launch. While the pilot is scheduled to conclude at year-end, it could be extended based on demand.
More details here...
