The United States Department of State has unveiled a new premium service that will allow certain visa applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 business days by paying an additional $750 fee.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register on June 9, the expedited service will be available for applicants seeking B1/B2 visitor visas and will be offered only at selected US embassies and consulates.

The pilot programme is scheduled to run from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension depending on its outcome.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over lengthy visa processing times and tighter immigration measures introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump. Several African countries, including Nigeria, have been affected by stricter visa policies, with some applicants facing the possibility of posting bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for visitor visas.

African nations also account for the largest number of countries currently subject to partial US travel restrictions, contributing to increased demand and prolonged wait times for visa appointments.

In Abuja, applicants seeking B1/B2 visas currently face an average interview wait time of about 11.5 months, making urgent travel arrangements difficult for many prospective visitors.

While the standard B1/B2 visa application fee remains $185, applicants who choose the new premium option will be required to pay the additional $750 processing charge separately.

However, the State Department stressed that paying for the expedited appointment service does not guarantee visa approval, as all applicants must still satisfy existing eligibility requirements.

The department has yet to disclose which embassies and consulates will participate in the programme.

The development follows reports that the number of US embassies and consulates processing visa applications across Africa could be reduced from nearly 50 to about 20, raising further concerns over access to consular services on the continent.