Recommended
The United States Department of State has begun testing a pilot program that will allow some visa applicants to obtain an interview appointment much faster than usual. The initiative, which will be available from now until December 31, 2026, at select embassies and consulates, seeks to offer an alternative for people who need to travel more urgently without modifying security and immigration verification processes.
According to the U.S. agency, the non-immigrant visa (NIV) expedited appointment program functions as a tool to more efficiently manage the demand for interviews. Authorities highlighted that the system allows them to handle cases with urgent travel needs while maintaining "the highest standards of security screening and control."
How does the new express American visa appointment work?
Under this scheme, applicants for B1/B2 tourism or business visas will be able to access an interview within the next 10 business days, provided there is availability. To do so, they must pay an additional fee of $750 USD per person, in addition to the regular $185 USD fee for the non-immigrant visa (MRV) application.
Before requesting an expedited appointment, interested parties must complete the standard interview scheduling process. Subsequently, if spaces are available, they will be able to see the special option within their appointment account. Once the date and time are selected, the $750 payment must be made within 10 minutes to secure the spot.
What you should know before paying the $750
The U.S. authorities emphasized that this fee does not guarantee the approval of the visa. The Department of State reminded that all applicants remain subject to the same review process.
"All U.S. visa applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation and verification process."
Likewise, the government clarified that the paid expedited modality only allows for obtaining an interview more quickly and does not grant any advantages during the consular evaluation.
In the program's frequently asked questions, the Department of State also notes that the so-called "Paid Expedited" appointment consists only of the possibility of scheduling an interview within the next 10 business days by paying an additional $750 fee.
What happens if you miss the express appointment?
Applicants must keep in mind that expedited appointments have stricter rules than conventional ones. Once booked, they cannot be modified or rescheduled, and if the person does not show up, they will lose the money paid. Furthermore, the fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Even those who wish to use this modality again after missing an appointment must pay the $750 again to access another expedited slot.
Mexico is among the countries included in the program
The U.S. Mission in Mexico, comprised of the Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in the country, is part of this pilot program. According to the Department of State, the initiative also applies in Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Furthermore, the agency did not rule out incorporating new locations during the trial period.
Does the express appointment guarantee that your visa will be approved?
No. The Department of State itself emphasizes that: "Use of the expedited appointment pilot program does not guarantee the issuance of a visa."
Therefore, even though the new modality could significantly reduce the time to obtain an interview, applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they meet all the requirements established by U.S. law to receive a tourist or business visa.
Join our WhatsApp channel. VIVE USA is now available! Stay informed from your mobile device about the most relevant news regarding travel, work, life in the United States and Canada, celebrities, trends, and much more.
[Publicidad]