US Launches $750 Expedited Tourist Visa Pilot Excluding India
· World · Indian Express, LiveMint
The US State Department has launched a $750 paid pilot programme to offer earlier B-1 and B-2 visa interview appointments at participating consular posts. India is currently not included in this pilot scheme, meaning applicants at consular posts in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata cannot use the expedited option. Under the programme, applicants must still complete the traditional process by paying the $185 MRV fee before they can secure a limited daily appointment and pay the additional $750 fee within 10 minutes. The expedited appointment fee is non-refundable and only secures an earlier interview slot without guaranteeing visa approval. The pilot is running until December 31, 2026, and currently applies only to Mission Canada and Mission Mexico. The US government stated that additional pilot locations may be added on the State Department website throughout the pilot period.
Why it matters
Indian travellers seeking US tourist and business visas must continue with standard waiting times and regular appointment processes as Indian consular posts are excluded from the expedited pilot.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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