Imagine skipping lengthy wait times for your US tourist or business visa interview. A significant new proposal is currently under consideration by the Donald Trump campaign team, aiming to allow foreign nationals to expedite their US visa appointments by paying a premium fee of $1,000. This could be a game-changer for international travellers eager to visit the United States.

A Trump campaign memo dated May 17 outlines a plan to introduce a “premium appointment” system that would speed up interview scheduling for B1/B2 visa applicants. These non-immigrant visas typically cover short-term business (B1) and tourism (B2) travel.

Under the proposed system, travelers who pay an extra $1,000 on top of the current $185 non-refundable application fee would get priority access to earlier visa interview slots.

Important: The plan does not change visa eligibility or documentation requirements. It only allows quicker access to appointments.

US visa interview wait times in many countries can stretch for several months, or even over a year. The memo suggests this paid fast-track option is designed to:

However, it’s worth noting that this system wouldn’t impact standard wait times for those who don’t pay the fee.

Is This Policy Official Yet?

No. As of now, the $1,000 fast-track us visa system is only under consideration and has not been implemented. A spokesperson for the US State Department declined to comment on internal planning or draft proposals.

Trump’s policy advisers are exploring the idea as part of a broader set of immigration and visa reforms ahead of the 2024 US presidential election.

Who Benefits and Who Might Lose Out?

While the fast-track visa interview option could be a game-changer for business travellers or tourists facing tight deadlines, it also raises concerns:

Travel experts warn that such a system could create a two-tiered visa process—faster for the wealthy, slower for everyone else.

What Should Travelers Do Right Now?

Because officials haven’t finalised or enacted this proposal, travelers should continue following the current US visa application procedures, including:

Monitoring updates from the US State Department’s official visa website.

Trump campaign advisers are floating the $1,000 fast-track initiative as one of several immigration-related ideas ahead of the 2024 US election. If implemented, it could significantly alter how US consulates handle non-immigrant visa appointments in high-demand countries.

Whether it becomes law depends on future political outcomes and how the public responds to the idea of paying for priority. (Travelobiz, but headline rejigged)