India, Aug. 19 -- The US State Department has expanded a pilot program allowing some B-1/B-2 visa applicants to pay an additional $750 fee for an earlier interview appointment, adding Canada and four Latin American countries to a scheme that began in Mexico.

The expansion took effect on August 18, 2026, and allows eligible applicants at participating US consular posts to seek a visa appointment within 10 business days, although expedited slots remain limited.

The newly added locations are Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras. US consular posts in Mexico will continue to participate in the program.

The pilot applies to applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas, which cover temporary business and tourism travel to the Unit...