A citizenship candidate holds a flag during the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, U.S., September 17, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
The United States Department of State has introduced a new premium service for travellers applying for B1/B2 visas, allowing applicants to pay an additional $750 to secure interview appointments within 10 business days.
According to a June 9 notice published in the Federal Register, the expedited interview option will be available only at selected US embassies and consulates.
The pilot scheme is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension.
The initiative comes amid a series of immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump to curb migration. Some African nationals, including Nigerians, already face the prospect of paying bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas.
