First-time US visitor visa (B1/B2) applicants in India often face waits of many months for an interview, with some reports of more than a year. A new paid fast-track exists, but as of the latest reports it is not available at any US post in India.
The $750 expedited appointment pilot
The US State Department is running a temporary pilot from 1 July to 31 December 2026 for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visa applicants.
| Detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| Extra fee | $750 per person, on top of the $185 visa application (MRV) fee |
| What you get | An interview appointment within about 10 business days |
| What you don’t get | Faster processing after the interview, or a guaranteed approval |
| If refused | The $750 is not refunded |
| Where | Only at selected US embassies and consulates |
Is India included? Not yet. As of late August 2026, none of the five US posts in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) had been named as participating. More posts may be added before the pilot ends, so check the official scheduling site.
Watch out for scams. The fee is paid only through the official visa system. Anyone in India offering to take $750 in cash to speed up your appointment is not selling a government service.
How to get an earlier interview from India
- Check every city, not just yours. You can interview at any of the five US posts in India. Wait times differ a lot between cities, so compare them on the State Department’s wait-times page.
- Check for an interview waiver. If you are renewing a B1/B2 visa that expired recently, you may qualify for the “dropbox” route with no interview. Eligibility was narrowed in 2025, so confirm the current rules on the official site.
- Keep checking for released slots. New appointments open periodically, often at short notice. Log in regularly once you have paid the MRV fee.
- Request an emergency appointment if it is genuine. After booking a regular slot, you can request an expedited appointment for urgent medical, family or business reasons, with supporting documents. There is no extra fee for this.
- Apply early. If you are planning a US trip in 2027, pay the fee and book now. The MRV fee receipt stays valid for a year.
Once you have a date, see our US visa interview tips and the US visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Not at the moment. India’s posts are not part of the pilot.
No. The fee only moves your interview date; the officer applies the same standard.
Rules on applying outside your country of residence were tightened, so check the current State Department guidance before booking abroad.
It changes monthly. Check the official wait-times tool for your city before you plan.
Sources
- Indian Eagle: Is the $750 expedited appointment available in India?
- RNLaw Group: FAQ on the $750 expedite fee
- NRI Information: Does paying $750 get a faster interview?
- US State Department: Visa appointment wait times
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Confirm the latest details on the official embassy, consulate or immigration website before you book or apply.