Want a Visa Interview in Just 10 Days?

In a bid to cut the delay in approval of US visas, the US State Department has plans to offer a “premium service” that can expedite the process.

Applicants seeking business or tourist visas in the US can get the services done faster by paying USD750, in addition to the initial fee of USD 185. The payment of the extra dollars would only expedite the visa process but not guarantee a visa to the applicant.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register this week, a pilot programme would be unveiled on July 1 allowing visa applicants to pay USD 750 to schedule an appointment for an interview within 10 days of the payment at select US embassies and consulates. The pilot programme would be scheduled from July 1 to December 31.

With the Trump administration tightening the rules to make entry into the US more difficult, there were complaints over the prolonged wait times.

In tune with the changed policy, the officials also increased crackdown on immigrants, demanding that bonds of up to USD 13,000 be paid for visa processing in African countries and asking for personal history of several years, including social media vetting.

The authorities would announce the embassies and consulates where the expedited services would be made available before the launch of the programme on July 1.