US Expands $750 B-1/B-2 Visa Fast-Track Program to More Countries

The U.S. State Department has added Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras to its pilot program that lets certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants pay an extra $750 to secure an interview appointment within 10 business days. The program, which began as a limited test, will now run through December 31, 2026, in these locations.

Under the pilot, eligible applicants can choose to pay the fee when scheduling an interview at a participating U.S. embassy or consulate. The goal is to reduce wait times for business and leisure travelers who need to travel urgently, while regular appointments remain available for those who do not opt in.

The expansion follows the initial rollout in select countries earlier this year. The State Department has not disclosed how many applicants have used the service so far, but officials say the program is part of broader efforts to modernize visa processing and address backlogs.

Travelers in the newly added countries can check the embassy or consulate website for eligibility criteria and instructions. The pilot is temporary, and the department will assess its impact before deciding whether to make it permanent or extend it further.