USA Launches Paid Fast-Track B1/B2 Visa Appointments in 2026: New Interview Rules

The US is launching a new paid expedited appointment system for B1/B2 visas. Find out how the program will work from July 2026, how much the service will cost, and who will be eligible for it

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

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In 2026, the United States of America continues to change its approach to visa administration, trying to reduce queues and increase the efficiency of consulates. One of the most notable innovations was the appearance of a paid option for an expedited appointment for an interview for tourist and business visas of the B1/B2 category.

The new mechanism will start on July 1, 2026 and will operate as a pilot project. It is designed to help those applicants who urgently need to get to the United States for business, medical treatment, visiting family or short-term trips.

We tell you how the new system will work, how much the expedited appointment will cost and what is important to consider before submitting documents.

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What does the expedited appointment program for a US visa provide?

In accordance with a new initiative by the US Department of State, some US consulates will begin offering B1/B2 visa applicants the option of expedited appointment for an additional fee.

Key terms of the program:

- Program start date – July 1, 2026;

- Pilot phase completion date – December 31, 2026;

- Additional fee for expedited appointment – ​​$750;

- Interviews will be available within 10 business days (subject to availability of slots).

It is important to understand that this option applies exclusively to expedited appointment for an interview. It does not speed up the review of documents, administrative checks, or the final decision on issuing a visa.

In other words, paying for the expedited service does not increase the chances of approval of the application.

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Who is the US Visa Expedited Appointment Program available for?

The pilot project applies only to non-immigrant visas of the B1/B2 category, which are usually issued for:

- Tourist trips;

- Business meetings;

- Participation in conferences;

- Visiting relatives;

- Short-term medical treatment;

- Business negotiations.

The new option may be of greatest interest to business travelers and companies that regularly send employees to the USA for negotiations, exhibitions or international events.

All proven methods for legal migration to the USA are collected at the link.

How will the expedited registration procedure for a US visa work?

Despite the innovation, the basic visa application process remains unchanged. First, the applicant goes through the standard stages:

Step 1 - Filling out the DS-160 form.

Step 2 - Payment of the standard consular fee.

Step 3 - Registration for a regular interview date.

After that, if the consulate participates in the program, the system may offer an expedited appointment option.

Next, you need to:

1. Pay an additional $750;

2. Select an available expedited slot;

3. Confirm the interview date.

If seats are available, the interview will be scheduled within 10 business days.

Keep in mind! Foreigners, including Ukrainians, are required to comply with visa requirements and have appropriate insurance to enter the United States. In which cases insurance is required, what policy is needed, and where it is best to apply for it - we tell you at the link. You can choose a reliable health insurance policy on the visit Ukraine portal.

Why is the United States introducing paid expedited appointment for interviews?

The main reason is record queues for visa interviews in many countries.

In some regions, the waiting time for an interview for tourist visas still reaches several months, and sometimes even exceeds a year. This creates serious difficulties for businesses, especially when travel is needed urgently.

The new system will partially relieve consulates, reduce the number of emergency requests, optimize resource use, and will be a good additional tool for urgent travel.

In fact, the US is testing a “paid acceleration” model, which is already partially used in immigration procedures in other countries.

Will expedited registration affect other US visas?

Previously, the US authorities stated that the innovation should not significantly affect the processing times for other categories of non-immigrant visas - student visas, work visas, exchange visas and other temporary categories1.

The number of expedited slots will be limited, so the system should operate without a significant impact on the overall flow of applicants.

However, the final effect will become clear only after the launch of the program.

For current requirements for work visas, salaries, sponsoring companies and a step-by-step strategy for finding a job in the United States of America, please follow the link.

What should applicants consider?

There are several important nuances that you should know before using the new option.

- First, the service will not be available at all US consulates. The full list of participating institutions will be announced separately.

- Second, the number of places will be limited. Even after payment, there may not be any available slots.

- Third, a quick interview does not mean a quick passport with a visa.

If the application is sent for additional administrative review, the deadlines will remain standard regardless of the paid acceleration. That is why experts advise not to rely solely on the new system, but to apply in advance.

What does the new program mean for travelers?

For some applicants, the new option can be really useful, especially if the trip is of critical importance.

At the same time, the new model is also controversial. Some experts believe that paid acceleration makes the visa system less accessible and creates an advantage for wealthier applicants.

In any case, the launch of the program demonstrates the main trend of 2026: international visa procedures are becoming more flexible, but at the same time more expensive.

Applying for a US visa can be a complicated process, especially when the rules are changing and consulate requirements are constantly updated. A visa lawyer will help you choose the right visa category, assess the risks, prepare documents and avoid mistakes during the application.

Professional support is especially important in cases of urgent trips, previous refusals or non-standard situations. The right application strategy significantly increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Choose your destination country and get professional advice from a visa lawyer today.

Reminder! Ukrainians who are in the USA can obtain temporary protection status, also known as TPS, but only if they meet a certain number of requirements. We have already told you who is eligible for TPS, how to apply and what rights a person with TPS status has.

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