US launches $750 fee to fast-track visa interview for applicants

The US State Department has unveiled a new premium visa interview service that will allow travellers applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to secure interview appointments within 10 business days for an additional fee of $750.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026, the expedited service will be available at selected US embassies and consulates under a pilot programme scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026. The programme may be extended beyond that period.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over lengthy visa processing times and restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump as part of efforts to curb migration.

Several African nationals, including Nigerians, already face the possibility of paying visa bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas.

In addition, African countries account for the largest number of nations currently subject to partial US travel restrictions.

The restrictions and increased scrutiny have contributed to prolonged waiting periods for visa interview appointments, creating challenges for applicants seeking urgent or last-minute travel opportunities.

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

While the standard B1/B2 visa application fee remains $185, applicants who choose the new premium service will be required to pay the $750 expedited processing fee separately.

The State Department, however, clarified that payment for the optional premium service does not guarantee visa approval, as all applications will still be subject to standard eligibility requirements and adjudication procedures.

The department also did not disclose which embassies and consulates would participate in the pilot programme.

The announcement follows reports last month indicating that the number of US embassies and consulates processing visa applications across Africa could be reduced from nearly 50 to 20.