New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- The US Department of State has launched a pilot programme allowing eligible tourist and business visa applicants in selected countries to pay an additional $750 fee for an earlier visa interview appointment.

The Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Expedited Appointment Pilot Program, updated on August 18, 2026, is designed to help applicants with urgent travel needs secure an interview within 10 business days, subject to appointment availability.

Under the pilot, eligible applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas can opt to pay $750 on top of the regular $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.

Applicants must first complete the normal visa application process, pay the $185 fee and schedule a regular interview appointment. If the pai...