At a glance
- A new U.S. pilot may offer faster B-1/B-2 visa interview appointments.
- The pilot runs from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.
- Eligible applicants may request interviews within about 10 business days.
- Securing an expedited interview does not increase approval odds or speed up processing.
- Employers should balance travel urgency, costs, and post-interview delay risks.
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The U.S. Department of State (DOS) introduced a temporary pilot program that may significantly affect how business travellers obtain B-1/B-2 visas. Under this initiative, certain applicants will have the option to pay an additional fee to secure a visa interview appointment on an expedited basis.
The program is scheduled to run from July 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026, and will be implemented at select participating U.S. consular posts.
Overview of the expedited B-1/B-2 visa pilot program
As part of ongoing efforts to address visa appointment backlogs, the DOS will allow eligible applicants to request expedited interview appointments within approximately 10 business days, subject to availability. To access this service, applicants must pay an additional US$750 government fee, which is separate from the standard non-immigrant visa application (MRV) fee.
Importantly, participation in the program is optional and availability will vary depending on the operational capacity of individual consular posts. The DOS is expected to identify participating locations through its official visa updates, which can be found on its U.S. Visas News page.
Scope and limitations of the expedited B-1/B-2 visa appointment program
While the program may appear to offer a fast-track option, its benefits are strictly limited to interview scheduling. It does not alter the substantive processing of the visa application. Applicants who use the expedited option remain subject to:
- the same eligibility requirements for B‑1/B‑2 visas;
- standard consular screening and adjudication processes; and
- any applicable administrative processing or security clearances.
The additional fee does not:
- increase the likelihood of visa approval;
- expedite post-interview processing;
- or guarantee visa issuance.
As a result, overall visa timelines may still be affected by factors outside the applicant’s control, even where an early interview is secured.
Practical implications for employers and business travellers
The pilot program may provide a useful option for those with an urgent need to travel to the U.S. Where visa appointment wait times are lengthy, the ability to secure an interview within a predictable time frame may help reduce disruptions to business operations.
Employers should evaluate the need to incur these additional government costs, particularly where travel timelines remain flexible. Since the fee only provides access to expedited interview scheduling, organizations should continue to consider any potential post-interview processing delays when planning travel.
However, the utility of the program will depend on the specific circumstances. Employers and travellers should weigh several factors, including:
- the urgency of the travel and business need;
- the cost of the expedited appointment fee;
- and the risk of delays following the interview, particularly due to administrative processing.
For organizations with frequent cross-border travel needs, the program may require adjustments to budgeting and travel planning practices. While it offers a potential solution for urgent cases, it does not eliminate the importance of advance visa planning.
Looking ahead: What employers should expect next
The expedited appointment program is currently scheduled as a temporary pilot through Dec. 31, 2026. The DOS may choose to extend, modify, or discontinue the initiative based on the results of the pilot program.
We will continue monitoring developments and further guidance as the program rolls out.
We can help with visa application planning
For assistance evaluating the potential impact of the expedited B-1/B-2 visa appointment program and planning for upcoming U.S. business travel, our Immigration team can help assess available options and support proactive visa planning.
The information in this publication is current as of June 26, 2026.
This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact BDO Canada LLP to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO Canada LLP, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.