WASHINGTON — Foreign nationals seeking to visit the United States for business or tourism will soon have the option to pay an additional $750 for faster visa processing through a new State Department initiative.
The department plans to announce a pilot “premium” service this week through a Federal Register publication, enabling applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 days of payment at selected U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
According to internal documents reviewed by The Associated Press and confirmed by a State Department official who requested anonymity prior to the official announcement, the expedited service will operate from July 1 through December 31.
This premium option comes as the current administration has implemented stricter entry requirements for foreign visitors, including bond payments reaching $15,000 for certain countries, particularly in Africa, and extensive background checks covering years of personal information and social media activity.
These enhanced screening measures have created significant processing backlogs globally, generating widespread criticism from applicants and advocacy groups.
Citizens from nations outside the Visa Waiver Program currently face interview wait times extending several months or longer. While the $750 premium service — added to the standard $185 application fee — guarantees a quicker interview, it does not ensure visa approval.
Officials have not yet revealed which embassies and consulates will participate in the expedited program, though this information will be released before the July launch date. The six-month pilot could be extended based on applicant demand and program success.
