The U.S. introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) earlier this year, granting World Cup visitors priority access to visa interviews.
FIFA Pass will allow those who have purchased World Cup tickets through FIFA to get expedited visa appointments, as the administration continues to balance President Donald Trump’s tough-on-migration stance with an influx of global travelers for the tournament.
"If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was in the Oval Office with Trump on Monday to explain the new system, AP reported.
A worker walks past temporary fencing with FIFA World Cup 2026 signage outside SoFi Stadium, June 5, 2026, in Inglewood, Califoria. Photo by AP
While the U.S. State Department traditionally prioritized international student applications, experts say this new system has pushed student and exchange visa applicants further down the queue.