Indian travelers staring down a year-long wait for a US visa interview now have a paid way out. Starting July 1, 2026, the US State Department is launching a pilot program that lets B-1 and B-2 visitor visa applicants pay an extra $750 (approximately ₹62,550) to secure an interview appointment within 10 business days.
The program is open to eligible applicants and runs through the end of 2026, after which officials will evaluate whether demand justifies making it permanent.
Why This Matters for Indian Passport Holders
India is one of the countries where the wait time problem is most acute. Data from the US Travel Association, cited in the State Department’s temporary final rule published in the Federal Register on June 9, 2026, showed visa interview waits exceeding 12 months in markets including India, Mexico, and Colombia.
For context: nearly half of all international visitors to the United States enter through the Visa Waiver Program — but Indian passport holders are not included in it. That means securing a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa, and specifically booking an interview appointment, remains a mandatory step before any Indian traveler can board a flight to the US.
For travelers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Chennai, the bottleneck has rarely been document preparation — it has been the interview slot itself.
For a complete picture of what the application involves, refer to our US Visa Guide for Indians.
What the New US Visa Fast-Track Program Actually Costs
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Launch | July 1, 2026 |
| Pilot End Date | December 31, 2026 |
| Visa Categories | B-1 (Business), B-2 (Tourist) |
| Expedited Fee | $750 (approx. ₹62,550) |
| Standard Visa Fee | $185 (approx. ₹15,430) |
| Total Cost with Fast-Track | $935 (approx. ₹77,980) per person |
| Appointment Guarantee | Within 10 business days |
| Justification Required? | No |
The State Department describes the $750 charge as an “optional premium addition.” It does not replace the standard $185 visa application fee — it sits on top of it.
Critically, applicants using this paid route do not need to submit written justification or go through the Priority Appointment Request or Referrals processes, which are requirements under the existing free emergency expedited option.
The State Department cited major international events — including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — as reasons to explore faster visa processing pathways in its Federal Register notice.
Use our Visa Fee Calculator to factor these costs into your travel budget, especially if you are applying for multiple family members.
The Free Emergency Option Still Exists
Indian applicants who face a genuine emergency do not have to pay ₹62,550. The State Department’s existing process allows applicants to request an expedited appointment at no extra cost for urgent, unforeseen situations — such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date — provided they submit proof of the need. Requirements vary by consulate location, so check the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website where you plan to complete your interview.
The new $750 program is aimed at travelers who need speed but whose situation does not qualify as an emergency under the existing rules — business meetings, conferences, family events, or time-sensitive personal travel.
If you want to assess your application strength before committing to either route, our Visa Readiness Score tool can help you identify any gaps.
FAQ
Q: When does the US expedited visa appointment program start? A: The pilot program launches on July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to run through the end of 2026.
Q: How much does the US fast-track visa appointment cost for Indians? A: The expedited fee is $750 (approximately ₹62,550), on top of the standard $185 (approximately ₹15,430) visa application fee, bringing the total to $935 (approximately ₹77,980) per person.
Q: What visa categories qualify for the expedited appointment? A: Only B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visitor visa applicants are eligible under this pilot program.
Q: How fast will I get an appointment under the paid program? A: Eligible applicants who pay the extra fee will receive an interview appointment within 10 business days.
Q: Do I still need to justify my urgency to use the paid fast-track? A: No. Unlike the existing free expedited option, the $750 service does not require written justification or personal intervention through Priority Appointment Request or Referrals processes.
Q: Is a free expedited option still available for emergencies? A: Yes. The State Department continues to offer a no-cost expedited interview date for urgent, unforeseen situations such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date, with proof of need required.
Source: US Department of State, Federal Register (published June 9, 2026)