The U.S. Department of State has published a temporary final rule creating a new Premium Expedited Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Interview Appointment Service for certain B-1/B-2 business and tourist visa applicants. The new program took effect July 1, 2026, and is currently scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, as a pilot program.  

Under the new program, applicants can opt to pay a $750 expedited interview appointment fee in addition to the standard Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, which remains $185. Visa applicants who pay the expedited fee may secure a visa interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to appointment availability at designated U.S. embassies and consulates. The service will only be offered at selected consular posts, which have yet to be announced, and in limited quantities.  

While the expedited appointment option accelerates the scheduling of the visa interview appointment, it does not guarantee visa issuance, waive visa eligibility requirements, expedite security checks or administrative processing or increase the likelihood of approval.  

If you have questions regarding visa appointment availability or how this new program may affect your immigration strategy, please contact a Foster LLP attorney. Foster LLP will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates regarding which consular posts will participate and how applicants can request expedited appointments once they become available via Immigration Updates©, articles, and blogs on our website at www.fosterglobal.com