The United States Department of State has introduced a pilot “premium” expedited appointment service for applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourism visas.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Under the new arrangement, eligible applicants may pay $750 to secure visa interview appointments within 10 business days at selected United States embassies and consulates.
The State Department disclosed this in a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, stating that the pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.
The expedited service is designed as an optional premium add-on and will be available only at designated diplomatic posts. The department, however, did not immediately specify which embassies and consulates would participate in the programme.
A B1/B2 visa, which covers business and tourism travel, currently costs $185. The new $750 expedited fee will be paid separately and will only cover faster access to an interview appointment.
The State Department stressed that payment for the premium appointment service does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements under United States immigration law.
The new service comes amid growing frustration over long visa interview wait times in several countries, including Nigeria, where applicants seeking B1/B2 visa appointments in Abuja reportedly face an average wait time of about 11.5 months.
The development could provide relief for applicants seeking urgent or last-minute travel, although availability will depend on whether the relevant embassy or consulate is selected for the pilot programme.
The move also comes against the backdrop of tighter visa and migration-related policies under the Donald Trump administration, including measures affecting some African nationals.
Some applicants from African countries, including Nigerians, already face the possibility of paying visa bonds of up to $15,000 as part of B1/B2 visa requirements.
African countries also account for a significant number of nations affected by partial United States travel restrictions, further complicating visa access for some applicants.
The introduction of the premium service follows reports that the United States may reduce the number of embassies and consulates processing visa applications across Africa from nearly 50 to about 20.
The pilot programme is expected to test whether a paid expedited appointment system can reduce pressure on visa processing backlogs while offering faster access to applicants willing to pay the additional fee.
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