According to a June 9 notice published in the Federal Register, the premium option will give eligible applicants access to interview appointments within 10 business days. However, the service will only be available at designated embassies and consulates, which have not yet been disclosed.
The pilot programme is set to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on its performance and operational review.
The introduction of the service comes amid ongoing adjustments to U.S. visa policies under the administration of Donald Trump, which has tightened migration-related measures and increased scrutiny for foreign applicants.
For many travellers, particularly from Africa, visa processing has become increasingly difficult. Some applicants already face additional financial requirements, including potential bonds of up to $15,000 for B1/B2 visa categories in certain cases.
African nations also account for a significant share of countries currently affected by partial travel restrictions imposed by the United States, further complicating mobility for business and tourism purposes.
The new premium service is expected to offer relief for urgent travellers, as existing appointment delays have stretched significantly in some locations. In Abuja, for instance, the average waiting time for a B1/B2 visa interview is estimated at about 11.5 months.
Under current rules, the standard B1/B2 visa fee remains $185, with the new $750 charge applying only to the optional expedited scheduling service. Authorities, however, have clarified that payment of the premium fee does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements.
The State Department also did not specify which embassies or consulates will participate in the pilot phase, leaving uncertainty for applicants hoping to benefit from the faster processing option.
The development comes as reports indicate a planned reduction in the number of U.S. diplomatic missions handling visa applications across Africa, with estimates suggesting a drop from nearly 50 posts to about 20, further intensifying concerns about access and processing delays.