US to Expedite Visa Appointments for Applicants Willing to Pay Rp13.5 Million

Washington - The United States Department of State will offer expedited interview appointments for tourist and business visa applicants by charging an additional fee of 750 US dollars, according to a document published in the US Federal Register on Tuesday.

The interim final rule temporarily amends the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services to establish a 750-dollar fee for expedited non-immigrant visa interview appointments for B1/B2 business and tourism categories, the document stated. The new fee will allow B1/B2 visa applicants who pay it to secure an interview appointment at selected missions within ten working days.

The regulation is effective from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Department of State reasoned that following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and in the run-up to the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles, now is the right time to test a pilot programme. Wait times for visa interviews can be several months or even a year, though paying the fee for scheduling an interview within 10 days does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.