Getting a visa to visit the U.S. may soon take less time – but cost more money – for some travelers.
Starting July 1, travelers applying for B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas for business and tourism will be able to pay extra to jump ahead of others in the queue for visa interviews.
It’s part of a “proof-of-concept” pilot program designed to assess demand for expedited services, according to the State Department, which will offer it through the end of the year.
How the Fast-Track Program Works
“Applicants at identified posts will have a chance to move to the front of the appointment line by paying a $750 fee without providing a written justification or seeking personal intervention through the Priority Appointment Request or Referrals processes,” according to a temporary final rule published in the Federal Register on June 9.
Those who pay the extra fee will be able to secure a visa interview appointment within 10 business days, instead of waiting for the next available opening, which can vary by week and location. For instance, the next available appointment for a B1/B2 visa interview is 16 months away in Abu Dhabi and less than half a month away in Istanbul.
The $750 fee is on top of the standard $185 application processing fee for non-immigrant visas, for a total of about $935.
Critics Question the Value
New York-based immigration attorney Michael Cataliotti told USA TODAY that’s a lot of money in a lot of countries. “I would argue it’s a lot of money in this country, but it’s an exorbitant amount in many of the countries where people are applying for these visas,” he said.
The State Department notes the “premium” addition will be optional, limited in quantity, and only available at posts specified on its website. It adds, “This service will not expedite any processing steps, including any time needed for administrative processing.”
“There’s no indication that they’re going to approve these applications,” Cataliotti said, adding that it’s curious the option is only available for B1, B2 visas. “There are plenty of other categories where that would make more sense to expedite and speed up, like work-based visas where somebody’s coming here as an international scholar or somebody with ‘extraordinary ability’ who’s phenomenal in their industry, somebody with a specialty occupation, all those different areas.”
After the pilot period ends on Dec. 31, the State Department will assess whether the service is worth continuing or adjusting.
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