Trump administration offering ‘premium’ expedited visa interviews for $750

The State Department is launching a new “premium” expedited visa interview service next month, allowing foreigners seeking U.S. travel or business visas to secure appointments within 10 days for an additional $750 fee, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The program, which is expected to be announced in a Federal Register notice this week, will allow applicants to pay the optional fee on top of the standard $185 visa application to schedule an interview at select embassies and consulates within 10 days of payment.

A State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the AP that the pilot program will run from July 1 to Dec. 31 but could be extended depending on demand. The embassies and consulates participating in the program are expected to be announced prior to July 1.

The new premium service comes as the Trump administration has implemented a series of measures to limit entry into the country by foreign nationals who require visas.

Last year, the State Department imposed bonds for people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates, requiring up to $15,000 to apply to enter into the United States. The administration also required foreigners to disclose years of personal history details, including social media accounts.

The expedited service does not guarantee that applicants will receive a visa to enter the United States but is intended to significantly reduce wait times for interview appointments, which can stretch for months for people from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program.

Further details about the premium appointment program including eligibility requirements are expected to be released before the initiative takes effect next month.

Tags

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.