∆ US Visa/ Getty images
The US Government through the State Department will offer a “premium” expedited service for foreigners seeking business or tourist visas to come to the United States that will set applicants back $750, including the initial fee of $185, it was learnt.
In a notice to be published in the Federal Register, the department said it will unveil a pilot programme that will allow visa applicants to pay the $750 to schedule an appointment for an interview within 10 days of the payment at select US embassies and consulates.
The pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the programme has not yet been announced.According to the report, the move is a potential effort to ease conditions caused by the Trump administration’s push to make entering the US more difficult.
The offer includes expedited interview options for B1 and B2 visa applicants. B1 and B2 visas are commonly used by international travelers visiting the U.S. for business or tourism.
The initiative comes as many foreign travellers continue to face significant delays when trying to enter the United States.
Some visa applicants currently wait months, and in some cases more than a year, for an interview appointment.
The fee comes on top of the existing $185 visa application charge, bringing the total cost to $935.
