The direct answer
Key takeaway
The $750 fee is an optional, nonrefundable charge for an earlier B-1/B-2 interview appointment at participating U.S. embassies and consulates. It is paid in addition to the $185 MRV fee, does not guarantee visa approval or faster adjudication, and is available only when the scheduling system shows an eligible paid-expedite appointment.
What is the paid-expedite pilot?
The Department of State is testing a temporary paid-expedite program through December 31, 2026. At participating posts, an eligible B-visa applicant may pay an additional $750 per appointment to obtain an interview within 10 business days, subject to available appointments.
The paid-expedite fee is separate from the regular $185 nonimmigrant-visa application fee. The applicant must first follow the normal process, pay the MRV fee, and schedule a regular interview appointment.
Where is the program available?
As of the State Department's August 18 update, the pilot is operating at Mission Mexico, Mission Canada, and the U.S. Embassies in Bogota, Guatemala City, San Jose, and Tegucigalpa. The Department may announce additional locations during the pilot period.
The option is not automatically available to every applicant at those posts. It appears in the appointment system only when the program is active in that country, expedited appointments remain available, and the applicant satisfies the eligibility criteria.
Important limits before paying
The fee buys an earlier interview appointment only. It does not guarantee visa issuance, entry to the United States, expedited administrative processing, or a favorable decision. Every applicant remains subject to the normal eligibility, screening, and vetting requirements.
- The $750 fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- Each applicant in a group must pay the fee for an expedited appointment.
- After selecting an expedited date and time, payment must be completed within 10 minutes.
- A paid-expedite appointment cannot be changed or rescheduled.
- Missing or canceling the appointment results in forfeiture of the fee.
- Interview-waiver applicants cannot use the fee to speed document processing.
How an eligible applicant requests the appointment
After scheduling a regular B-visa appointment, the applicant signs into the visa appointment account, selects Request Expedite, and chooses Paid Expedite if the option appears. An applicant whose ordinary emergency request was denied may still use the paid option if otherwise eligible.
Because availability, post participation, and individual eligibility can change, applicants should verify the option inside the official appointment system before relying on an expedited date or making nonrefundable travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Does paying $750 guarantee approval of the B-1/B-2 visa?
No. The fee provides only an earlier interview appointment. It does not guarantee visa issuance, expedited adjudication, or admission to the United States.
Is the $750 fee in place of the normal visa fee?
No. It is paid in addition to the regular $185 MRV application fee, making the combined appointment-related fees $935 for one applicant before any other applicable charge.
Can the expedited appointment be rescheduled?
No. The State Department says a paid-expedite appointment can be scheduled only once and cannot be changed. Cancellation or a missed appointment forfeits the $750 fee.
Is paid expedite available at every U.S. embassy or consulate?
No. It is a limited pilot at participating posts. The option appears only when a qualifying appointment is available and the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
Sources and further reading
Use these links to review the reporting, official guidance or underlying rule.
U.S. Department of State: Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot ProgramAILA: DOS Temporary Final Rule Creating Fee to Expedite B-1/B-2 Visa Interview AppointmentAILA Recent Postings: Paid Expedite Practice Alert