Federal Register #2026-11513

State Department Pilots $750 Expedited B1/B2 Visa Interview Service at Select Overseas Posts

The U.S. Department of State is piloting a new expedited visa interview service for B1/B2 (business and tourism) nonimmigrant visa applicants at select overseas embassies and consulates. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs - Resource Management Unit - Service Overview: - Optional expedited interview appointment for B1/B2 visa applicants - $750 fee per person, in addition to the standard $185 MRV application fee - Allows applicants to secure an interview within ten business days at participating posts - Service is available only at selected embassies and consulates, as determined by the Bureau of Consular Affairs - Program Details: - Temporary pilot program to assess demand for expedited appointments - Designed to help applicants bypass standard wait times, especially ahead of major international events - Fee is non-refundable if the appointment is missed or canceled - All standard visa eligibility and processing requirements remain unchanged - No OEMs or external vendors are involved; this is a government-provided service - Estimated annual usage: 25,705 applications, with anticipated annual fee collection of $19,278,750

Description

This temporary final rule amends the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services to establish a $750 fee for an expedited B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa interview appointment. The expedited service allows applicants to secure an interview within ten business days at selected posts and is offered as an optional premium addition to the standard visa application fee. The rule is effective from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and aims to assess demand for expedited visa appointments while maintaining standard visa eligibility and processing requirements. Comments on the rule are due by July 9, 2026.

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