The United States Department of State has announced a new premium visa interview service that will allow eligible applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 business days by paying an additional $750 expedited processing fee.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, the optional fast-track service will apply to applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas. However, the expedited appointments will only be available at selected U.S. embassies and consulates participating in the pilot program.
The initiative is scheduled to run from July 1 through December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension if deemed successful.
The new service comes as the U.S. government continues to implement stricter immigration measures aimed at managing migration. Several African countries, including Nigeria, have experienced increased visa restrictions in recent years.
Some applicants from African nations may already be required to provide visa bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas. In addition, several African countries remain subject to partial U.S. travel restrictions.
These policies have contributed to lengthy visa interview waiting periods, making it difficult for travellers with urgent business, tourism, or family-related travel needs to secure appointments.
In Abuja, Nigeria, the average waiting time for a B1/B2 visa interview has reportedly reached 11.5 months, highlighting the growing demand for faster appointment options.
While the standard application fee for a B1/B2 visa remains $185, applicants who choose the premium service will pay the additional $750 separately.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that paying for the expedited interview service does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements, and each application will continue to be assessed under existing U.S. immigration laws.
The department has also not disclosed which U.S. embassies and consulates will participate in the premium interview program.
The announcement follows recent reports suggesting that the number of U.S. embassies and consulates across Africa processing visa applications could be reduced from nearly 50 locations to around 20, a move that may further affect visa processing across the continent.
