The United States Department of State has introduced a new premium service for applicants seeking B1/B2 visitor visas, allowing travellers to pay an additional $750 for expedited interview appointments.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, applicants who opt for the premium service will be eligible for visa interview appointments scheduled within 10 business days at participating US embassies and consulates.

The pilot programme is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension depending on its outcome.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over lengthy visa processing times and tighter immigration measures introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump. The restrictions have affected visa applicants from several countries, particularly in Africa.

Under existing policies, some African nationals, including Nigerians, may be required to post visa bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas. In addition, several African countries remain subject to partial US travel restrictions.

The combination of these measures and high demand for appointments has contributed to extended waiting periods for visa interviews, making it difficult for travellers with urgent business, family, medical or tourism-related needs to secure appointments on time.

In Nigeria, the US Embassy in Abuja currently has an average waiting time of approximately 11.5 months for B1/B2 visa interview appointments.

While the standard application fee for a B1/B2 visa remains $185, applicants seeking faster interview scheduling will be required to pay the additional $750 premium processing fee separately.

The State Department, however, clarified that payment for the optional expedited service does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still satisfy all eligibility requirements and successfully complete the visa adjudication process.

The department did not disclose which embassies and consulates would participate in the programme.

The announcement follows reports that the number of US embassies and consulates across Africa processing visa applications could be reduced from nearly 50 to about 20, a move that has raised concerns about future access to consular services on the continent.