US offers expedited visa interviews within 10 days for a $750 fee

The United States Department of State has introduced a new premium service for travellers applying for B1/B2 visas, allowing applicants to pay an additional $750 to secure interview appointments within 10 business days.

According to a June 9 notice published in the Federal Register, the expedited interview option will be available only at selected U.S. embassies and consulates.

The pilot scheme is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension.

The initiative comes amid a series of immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump to curb migration. Some African nationals, including Nigerians, already face the prospect of paying bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas.

African countries also account for the largest number of nations currently subject to partial U.S. travel suspensions.

The restrictions have contributed to lengthy waiting periods for visa interviews, complicating travel plans for those seeking urgent or last‑minute appointments.

In Abuja, applicants currently face an average wait time of 11.5 months for B1/B2 visa interviews.

While the standard fee for a business and tourism visa remains $185, applicants opting for the new service will pay the $750 charge separately.

The State Department described the programme as an “optional premium add‑on service”, noting that payment of the additional fee does not guarantee visa approval.

It also did not disclose which diplomatic missions would participate in the scheme.

Last month, reports indicated that the number of U.S. embassies and consulates processing visa applications across Africa could be cut from nearly 50 to 20.

Vanguard News