$750 Fast Visa Appointment Pilot Program Launched in Mexico for B1/B2 Applicants
Quick Look
- State Department launched a $750 pilot program in Mexico for B1/B2 visa applicants, offering expedited interview appointments within 10 business days.
- This voluntary program requires prior MRV fee payment and guarantees an interview slot if available, not the visa itself.
- It is not yet available in India, but other locations are expected.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The U.S. State Department launched a $750 pilot program for B1/B2 visa applicants in Mexico to secure expedited interview appointments within 10 business days. This is an additional, non-refundable fee for a limited number of daily slots.
The State Department launched the much-anticipated $750 pilot program for a fast visa appointment for B1/B2 applicants but it is not yet launched in India. The administration announced the launch in Mexico and asserted that additional locations will be announced soon. This pilot program will be for business travelers and tourists who are looking for an immediate interview date. By paying $750, they will get the interview date within 10 business days. This is an additional fee on top of other fees, and this only comes with a guarantee of an interview appointment if slots are available -- not the visa.
What is the $750 pilot program?
This is a voluntary program.
Applicants must first follow the usual process to pay the $185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment.
Pilot posts will allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited appointment program.
If expedited appointments are available, these appointments will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments.
After an applicant selects an expedited appointment date and time, the $750 fee payment must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the appointment.
Once made, an expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed.
Missed appointments will result in the forfeiture of the fee. The expedited appointment fee is not refundable.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants applying for a B visa with a future interview appointment scheduled will be able to see the “Paid Expedite” appointment option. If the option is not available, it means the specific post, or country is not offering it yet.
Who is not eligible?
Any other visa applicants like F, M, H, L, O, P, TN, or E are not eligible for this expedited option.
When will it come to India?
Consulates in India have a long waiting line for B visas. The department did not announce whether this pilot project will be launched in India or not. But this program is supposed to run till Decemeber 2026, and depending on the success of the program, the department may extend the program to many other countries, including India.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The pilot program will run until December 2026.
Very likely · Within years
The program may be extended to other countries, including India, depending on its success.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- When will the program launch in other countries?
- What are the success metrics for the pilot program?
- Will the program be extended to India?
