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THE US Department of State will offer expedited interview appointments for tourist and business visa applicants by paying an additional fee of US$750 (IDR13.5 million), according to a document published in the US Federal Register on Tuesday (June 9).
“This interim final rule (TFR) temporarily amends the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (Schedule) to create a US$750 fee for expedited nonimmigrant visa (NIV) B1/B2, business, and tourism visa interview appointments,” the document states.
“This new fee will allow B1/B2 visa applicants who pay the fee to secure an interview appointment at a selected mission office within ten business days,” it states.
The rule is effective from July 1 to December 31, 2026. The US Department of State reasoned that after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, now is an opportune time to test the pilot program.
The wait time for a visa interview can be several months or even a year. However, paying the fee to schedule an interview within 10 days does not guarantee a visa will be issued. [antaranews/photo special]
