In June 2026, the Law Offices of James D. Eiss immigration newswire reported on an expected pilot program allowing some visa applicants to pay for expedited visa processing.

The pilot program has been officially running since July 21, 2026 and is currently available at the following Consulates: 

• Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) – beginning 7/21/2026
• Mission Canada (Embassy and all consulates) – beginning 8/18/2026
• Embassy Bogota – beginning 8/18/2026
• Embassy Guatemala City – beginning 8/18/2026
• Embassy San Jose – beginning 8/18/2026
• Embassy Tegucigalpa – beginning 8/18/2026

Additional participating Consulates may be announced throughout the duration of the program.  

The pilot program will be running up through December 31, 2026.

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Want an expedited appointment? Here's what you need to know

• Only B visa applicants are eligible– the pilot program has not expanded to other visa classifications
• Applicants must first pay the required $185 MRV fee and schedule an appointment before they can expedite
  • Those with existing appointments and an unexpired MRV fee receipt can also upgrade to an expedited appointment
• Appointments will be scheduled within 10 business days, subject to Consulate availability
• Each Consulate will have a limited number of appointments per day that will be available for expedited applicants
• If expedited appointments are available, the applicant will have 10 minutes to pay and secure the appointment  
• Expedited appointments cannot be changed or rescheduled
• Refunds will not be issued for missed appointments; the fee is nonrefundable

More information can be found on the Department of State's website here.