U.S. Launches $750 Expedited B1/B2 Visa Appointment Option

The U.S. Department of State runs a pilot program that lets some visitor-visa applicants pay an additional $750 to get an earlier interview appointment. It is optional. It only moves your interview date forward at participating embassies and consulates — it does not make a visa more likely and does not speed up any later administrative processing.

Last updated: 5 September 2026. Participation and availability change often — always confirm the current details on the official source linked at the end and inside your own appointment account.

What the paid expedited appointment is

The paid expedite is a pilot option added on top of the normal visa process. Eligible applicants for B1/B2 (and some other nonimmigrant categories) can pay $750 to be offered an earlier interview slot where the program is running. It does not replace any step of the standard application — you still complete everything you would normally do.

How the $750 paid expedite works

1. Complete your DS-160 and pay the standard $185 MRV visa application fee.
2. Schedule a regular B1/B2 interview appointment in the normal way.
3. If your post participates and earlier slots exist, a “Paid Expedite” option appears in your online appointment account.
4. Pay the additional $750. This amount is non-refundable.
5. An expedited interview should be offered within about 10 business days, subject to availability.

What it does — and does not — do

• Does: give you an earlier interview where the pilot is available.
• Does not: guarantee visa approval — the decision is still made by the consular officer.
• Does not: speed up administrative processing (for example, cases placed under section 221(g)).
• Does not: get refunded — you keep no money back even if the visa is refused.

Paid expedite vs. free emergency appointment

These are two different things. A free emergency (expedited) appointment costs nothing but requires a qualifying urgent reason — such as a medical emergency, a funeral, or urgent business — and the post must approve your request. The paid expedite needs no justification, but it costs $750 and is only offered where the pilot operates.

Which embassies and countries participate

The pilot runs only at a limited number of participating U.S. embassies and consulates, and the list can change. Before you rely on it, check the official pilot page and look for the “Paid Expedite” option in your own appointment account.

What this means for applicants

The paid expedite can help travellers who have a genuine need to go sooner but do not qualify for a free emergency appointment, and who are applying at a participating post with a long regular wait. It is not worth paying if your dates are flexible, if you qualify for a free emergency appointment, or if your post does not take part. If you legally reside in Belgium and apply in Brussels, confirm participation first — do not pay expecting an option that may not be offered there.

Checklist before you pay for an expedite

Frequently asked questions

Does paying $750 improve my chances of getting the visa?

No. It only affects the timing of the interview. The consular officer decides the case on its merits.

Is the $750 refunded if my visa is refused?

No. The fee is non-refundable, whatever the outcome.

Can I pay the $750 instead of the $185 MRV fee?

No. The expedite is charged in addition to the standard $185 application fee, not instead of it.

How soon will the interview be?

The program aims to offer an expedited interview within about 10 business days, but this depends on availability at your post.

Is the option available in Brussels?

At the time of writing, Belgium was not on the participating list. Because this can change, check the official page and your appointment account before relying on it.

Conclusion

The $750 paid expedite is a useful tool for the right situation: a real need to travel sooner, a participating post, and a long standard wait. Used with clear expectations — an earlier date, not a better decision — it can save valuable weeks. For related reading, see our guide on where B1/B2 applicants should apply and what really decides a U.S. visa interview.

Disclaimer

EasyVisaPath is an independent visa-support service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any U.S. government agency. Visa decisions are made exclusively by U.S. consular officers. This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.

Official sources

Featured photo: U.S. visa applicants waiting area — Zheng Zhou (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.