The US State Department launched a six-month paid fast-track appointment pilot for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas on 1 July 2026. Indian passport holders applying from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad can now pay an additional US $750 (approximately ₹62,500) to secure an interview slot within 10 working days.
US Fast-Track B1/B2 Visa Appointment: What Indian Travelers Need to Know
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Visa Types Covered | B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) |
| Additional Fee | US $750 (approximately ₹62,500) |
| Appointment Guarantee | Within 10 working days |
| Pilot Duration | Six months |
| Security Vetting | Standard checks still apply |
The additional US $750 (approximately ₹62,500) fee is paid on top of existing visa application fees. Paying it does not alter the scope of security vetting — all standard background checks remain in place. The accelerated slot is designed to serve applicants with urgent travel needs, such as those attending last-minute conferences or responding to family emergencies in the United States.
Indian travelers planning to use this option should factor the additional cost into their trip budget from the outset. Use our Visa Fee Calculator to get a full picture of what a B-1/B-2 application will cost once all fees are combined.
Other Country Changes Effective 1 July 2026 That Affect Indian Passport Holders
Three other rule changes took effect on the same date and are relevant for Indian travelers with broader itineraries.
Australia — TSMIT Salary Thresholds Rise
Australia has raised its Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to AUD 79,499 (approximately ₹44,20,000). The Specialist Skills threshold now stands at AUD 146,717 (approximately ₹81,60,000). Indian companies seconding employees to Australian subsidiaries must verify that offered salaries meet these updated floors before submitting nomination papers.
Japan — Fee Hike Does Not Apply to Indians
Japan quintupled its standard visa fee for most nationalities effective 1 July 2026. Indian passport holders remain exempt from this increase under the bilateral fee-waiver arrangement established in 2016. Mixed-nationality tour groups, however, will encounter differential pricing at the point of application.
Vietnam — Mandatory Digital Health Declaration
All passengers entering, exiting, or transiting through Vietnam must now complete a digital health declaration within seven days of travel. Airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to travelers who have not submitted the form. Indian travelers transiting through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City must complete this step before departure from their origin city.
For a complete picture of documentation now required across these destinations, the Document Checklist tool covers current requirements for each country.
Indian travelers managing multi-leg trips touching the US, Japan, or Vietnam in the second half of 2026 should review each set of requirements separately, as the changes are independent of one another.
For a full walkthrough of the B-1/B-2 application process, refer to the US Visa Guide.
Source: US Department of State; Department of Home Affairs, Australia; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan; Ministry of Health, Vietnam.
FAQ
How much does the US fast-track visa appointment cost for Indian applicants?
The expedited appointment carries an additional fee of US $750 (approximately ₹62,500), on top of any standard visa application fees already payable.
How quickly will I get an interview slot under the fast-track pilot?
The State Department has committed to providing an interview slot within 10 working days of opting into the expedited service.
Does the fast-track appointment bypass security checks?
No. Applicants who use the paid expedited slot still go through standard security vetting — only the appointment wait time is reduced.
How long will this pilot program run?
The pilot is scheduled to run for six months from its 1 July 2026 launch date.
Does this affect B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants equally?
Yes. The fast-track option is available for both B-1 business visitor and B-2 tourist visa applicants.