• Strategic Multi-Nation Expansion: Canada joins Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras in the expanding United States State Department expedited visa pilot program.
• Rapid Ten-Day Scheduling: Eligible B-1 and B-2 applicants can pay an optional 750-dollar fee to secure an in-person interview within ten business days based on availability.
• Seamless Digital Process: Applicants book a regular appointment first and can opt into the expedited feature directly within the official consular portal.
• Consistent Security Standards: The program accelerates appointment timing only, while maintaining thorough consular reviews, background checks, and identity verification

Cross-border mobility and North American business travel are receiving a major boost as Canada officially joins Colombia and select Latin American nations in the United States Department of State’s expanding nonimmigrant visa expedited appointment pilot program. Designed to streamline consular processing for individuals with time-sensitive travel needs, the program allows qualified B-1 and B-2 visitor visa applicants to secure prompt in-person interview appointments across participating consulates and embassies.

Under the initiative, eligible international travelers, professionals, and tourists can voluntarily pay an optional seven-hundred-fifty-dollar expedited processing fee in addition to standard visa application costs. In return, approved applicants can schedule their in-person consular interview within ten business days, provided slots remain available. Following positive initial implementations in Mexico and Colombia, adding Canadian consular posts alongside Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras provides greater flexibility for North American business executives, conference delegates, and leisure travelers who require swift interview access.

The application journey is seamlessly integrated into the existing official visa scheduling portal. Applicants first submit their standard DS-160 application form, pay the base fee, and select a standard interview date. If expedited appointments open up at their chosen consular section, the system presents the optional fast-track upgrade, giving applicants ten minutes to confirm and lock in their priority date.

Crucially, the expedited program focuses strictly on scheduling convenience while maintaining the highest security protocols. Every applicant continues to undergo comprehensive consular screening, background reviews, and eligibility assessments before entry permission is granted. Operating through late 2026, this pilot underscores a commitment to modernizing travel infrastructure, strengthening cross-border commerce, and supporting resilient global tourism.