No good news yet for Indian B1/B2 visa applicants: Mexico launches $750 expedited visa appointment pilot program
The US State Department has launched the much-anticipated $750 pilot program to provide expedited visa appointments to B1/B2 applicants, but the program is yet to launch in India. The government announced the rollout in Mexico and claimed that more locations would be announced soon. This pilot program is available to business travelers and tourists seeking immediate interview dates. By paying $750, they will receive an interview date within 10 business days. This is in addition to other costs and interview appointments, not visas, are only guaranteed if space is available.
What is the $750 Pilot Program?
- This is a voluntary program.
- Applicants must first pay the $185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment according to the usual process.
- Pilot positions will allocate a limited number of appointments per day to the expedited appointment program.
- If expedited appointments are available, these will be available to applicants when scheduling their appointment.
- After applicants select an expedited appointment date and time, they must complete payment of the $750 fee within 10 minutes to secure their appointment.
- Once the expedited appointment date and time is confirmed, it cannot be changed.
- Missed appointments will result in forfeiture of fees. Rush appointment fees are non-refundable.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants applying for a B visa and scheduling a future interview appointment will see a Paid Rush appointment option. If the option is not available, it means that the option is not yet available for the specific position or country.
Who is not eligible?
Applicants for any other visa, such as F, M, H, L, O, P, TN, or E, are not eligible for this expedited option.
When will it come to India?
There is a long queue at the Indian consulate for B visa. The department did not announce whether the pilot project would start in India. But the program is expected to run until December 2026 and depending on its success, the department may expand the program to many other countries, including India.
