US to trial US$750 fast-track visa interview option at selected posts

WASHINGTON (AP) - Foreign nationals applying for United States business or visitor visas could soon pay an extra US$750 for a faster interview appointment under a new State Department pilot.

The fee would be separate from the regular US$185 visa application charge. In a Federal Register notice expected this week, the department is set to outline a limited programme allowing applicants at selected US embassies and consulates to buy access to an interview date within 10 days after payment.

Internal papers reviewed by The Associated Press, along with a State Department official, say the trial is scheduled to begin July 1 and end December 31. The official discussed the matter on condition of anonymity because the initiative had not yet been made public.

The plan comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten entry procedures for non-citizens. Its wider immigration measures have included requiring visa-processing bonds of up to US$15,000 in some countries, many of them in Africa, and demanding extensive personal background details, including social media information, for review.

Those added checks have slowed visa work in many locations, drawing complaints from applicants and others affected by the delays.

For people from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program, the wait for a visa interview can stretch for months or more. Paying for the faster service, however, would only move up the interview appointment and would not mean approval of the visa.

The State Department is expected to identify the participating embassies and consulates before the July 1 start date. Although the pilot is planned to last through year-end, officials could keep it going longer if there is enough demand.