The US State Department has introduced a “premium” expedited service for travellers seeking B1/B2 visas, allowing applicants to pay $750 for interview appointments scheduled within 10 business days.
In a June 9 notice in the federal register, the department
said the fast-tracked interview appointments will only happen at select
embassies and consulates.
The pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31,
2026, and could be extended.
The move could ease multiple restrictions imposed by the
Donald Trump administration on foreigners as part of efforts to curb migration
flow.
A handful of African nationals, including Nigerians, already
face possibility of paying bonds of up to $15,000 as a requirement for B1/B2
visa applications.
African countries also make up the largest share of
countries currently under US partial travel suspensions.
The hurdles have resulted in longer wait times for visa
interviews making it difficult for some applicants to apply for visas for
urgent or last-minute travel.
In Abuja, the average wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview
is now 11.5 months.
A B1/B2 (business and tourism) visa currently costs $185,
with the expedited processing fee to be paid separately.
However, paying the fee for the “optional premium add-on
service” does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The State Department also did not specify which US
diplomatic posts would participate in the new service.
Last month, it was reported that
nearly 50 US embassies and consulates currently processing visa applications
across Africa would be reduced to 20.
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