New US Tourist Visa Policy May Allow $1,000 Fast-Track Fee to Skip Interview lines

INTRODUCTION

In a major policy shift, the United States government is planning to introduce a new premium service that could significantly alter the experience for non-immigrant visa applicants — including tourists. Under the proposed initiative, applicants may soon have the option to pay a fee of $1,000 to expedite their visa interview appointments, effectively allowing them to skip the standard interview queues.

What is the $1,000 Fast-Track Option?

The new proposal is being considered as part of efforts to streamline visa processing and offer greater flexibility to travelers. For an additional fee of $1,000, tourists and other non-immigrant applicants would be able to move ahead in the interview line. This would supplement the existing visa application fee of $185 and offer a premium pathway for those who are in urgent need of travel.

This service is expected to begin as a pilot program by December 2025.

Why is This Being Proposed?

Long wait times — especially in high-demand countries like India — have been a major concern. In some cities, interview wait times exceed 400 days, causing inconvenience to travelers and creating opportunities for misuse by agents and bots. By offering a legitimate and official fast-track option, the U.S. aims to reduce the dependence on third-party agents and make the process more transparent.

This premium fee option is also seen as a way to help revive international travel to the U.S., which has been declining due to stringent visa policies and a strong dollar.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

While the plan appears to offer convenience to many travelers, it has sparked internal debate. Legal advisors have raised concerns about whether charging more than the actual cost of the service might violate existing U.S. laws and Supreme Court rulings. The policy is under review and may face hurdles before full-scale implementation.

Changes Already in Effect

Even as the $1,000 expedited option is under discussion, several changes have already been introduced to improve fairness in the visa application process:

• Around 2,000 visa appointments that were booked using bots have been canceled.

• Starting January 1, 2025, applicants will be allowed to reschedule their interview only once without any additional charge. A second rescheduling or missing the interview will require rebooking and repayment of the visa fee.

• Enhanced security measures are being used to detect and block fraudulent bookings and suspicious accounts.

Impact on Indian Applicants

For Indian travelers, these developments are especially significant. India has one of the highest demands for U.S. visitor visas, and the prolonged wait times have made it difficult for genuine travelers to plan their trips.

This new proposal could offer a lifeline for applicants who need to travel urgently — such as for medical reasons, business, or family emergencies — and are willing to pay extra for faster processing.

Public Reaction and Outlook

Reactions are mixed. Supporters argue that the option provides flexibility, reduces backlog, and discourages unethical practices. Critics, however, warn that it may create a two-tier system where wealthier applicants are favored, thereby undermining the principle of equal access.

As the U.S. government continues to review and refine this policy, all eyes are on how it will balance fairness, legality, and efficiency in its visa processes.