US Announces New Visa Fees for B1/B2 Applicants, Immigration Lawyer Shares Details
- The United States of America has announced the creation of a new visa fee for a category of visa applicants
- US-based immigration lawyer Akua Poku shared details and explained what the new policy seeks to achieve
- The US Department of State is also receiving public feedback on the new fee ahead of the implementation
- YEN.com.gh reached out to US-based immigration lawyer Benedicta Agyemang, who offered education on what there is to know about the B-2 visa
The United States Department of State has introduced a new optional fee of $750 for certain applicants seeking B1/B2 visas.
The purpose of the fee is to provide faster visa interview appointment dates for applicants travelling to the US for tourism, business trips, medical visits, family visits, conferences, and other short-term stays.
Source: Getty Images
Akua Poku, a US-based immigration lawyer, explained in a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 9, that applicants who pay the additional $750 fee may be able to secure visa interview appointments within 10 business days, subject to availability.
"On June 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of State issued a temporary final rule creating a new $750 expedited interview fee for certain B1/B2 (business and tourist) visa applicants. Applicants who pay the additional fee may be able to obtain a visa interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to appointment availability at participating U.S. consular posts.
"The expedited interview option is voluntary and is separate from the standard nonimmigrant visa application fee. Applicants may still choose the regular scheduling process without paying the additional fee."
US offers fees to expedite visa interview process
She then indicated that the option will be available only at selected US embassies and consular posts.
"The Department of State stated that the service will be available only at selected consular posts and in limited quantities, meaning not all applicants or locations will have access to the expedited option. The rule applies only to B1/B2 visas, which are commonly used for business visits, tourism, medical treatment, family visits, conferences, and similar temporary travel to the United States."
Lawyer AK Poku also explained that paying for an expedited interview appointment does not guarantee visa approval, adding that the temporary rule will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Below is the Facebook post by Akua Poku sharing details on the new rule:
US accepting comments on new visa option
She added that the Department of State is accepting public comments on the rule until July 9, 2026.
"According to the Department of State, the expedited interview fee is intended to provide a premium scheduling option for applicants seeking faster access to visa interview appointments.
"Even if an applicant secures an expedited interview appointment, they must still satisfy all eligibility requirements for the visa. Payment of the fee does not guarantee visa issuance or approval.
"The temporary rule takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in effect through December 31, 2026. The Department of State is accepting public comments on the temporary rule through July 9, 2026."
Source: UGC
B-2 visa holders cannot work
A US-based immigration lawyer, Benedicta Agyemang, in a comment to YEN.com.gh, enlightened prospective travellers on the B-2 visa and relevant regulations regarding travel to the US.
She advised travellers to ensure that they do not accept work in the US, nor should they overstay their visas.
"A visitor admitted on a B-2 tourist visa is authorised to engage in tourism and recreational activities. Also, overstaying or violating visa conditions can result in future immigration consequences, including difficulties obtaining future visas or re-entering the United States."
US imposes travel ban on 5 countries
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the US had placed a travel ban on nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan entering the country.
The ban, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, was said to be aimed at protecting national security under the Donald Trump administration.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
