The US is set to introduce a non-refundable $750 fee to skip visa interview queues
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, reports say.
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.
According to reports, the pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31.
The move is said to be 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 administration has cracked down on most forms of migration for foreigners, demanding that bonds of up to $15,000 be paid for visa processing in some, mainly African, countries and requiring years of personal history, including social media accounts, to be vetted.
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