VOI World/ Desk
US fast-track visa interviews will soon be available at select American embassies and consulates under a new pilot programme announced by the US State Department.
The programme, scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, will allow eligible applicants seeking tourist or business visas to pay an additional $750 fee to secure an interview appointment within 10 days. The premium charge will be added to the standard visa application fee of $185.
According to US officials, the initiative is aimed at reducing long waiting periods that many applicants face at embassies and consulates worldwide. However, the expedited appointment does not guarantee visa approval, which will continue to depend on standard eligibility checks and consular review.
The State Department has not yet announced which embassies and consulates will participate in the pilot programme. Details are expected before the scheme takes effect in July.
The move comes as the US government continues to tighten immigration screening measures. Recent policy changes have included additional background checks, social media scrutiny for some applicants and stricter documentation requirements in certain cases.
For Indian travellers, the programme could offer a faster route to securing visa appointments, particularly during peak travel seasons when wait times often stretch into months. India remains one of the largest sources of US tourist, business and student visa applicants globally.
While immigration experts say the premium option may benefit travellers with urgent plans, they note that the added cost could place fast-track access out of reach for many applicants.
