"Don't Want to Wait in Line? Pay $1,000 for Immediate Visa Interview"... US Reportedly Considering Expedited Fee

Trump Administration Considers Introducing $1,000 Expedited Processing Fee for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants
White House and Judiciary May Oppose Due to Legal Precedents
State Department: "No Comment on Internal Discussions"

The Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering introducing an expedited processing fee of $1,000 (approximately 1.36 million won) for non-immigrant visa applicants, such as those seeking tourist visas, allowing them to move up their visa interview appointments.

Citizens are lining up to apply for visas in front of the US Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Asia Economy

On June 5, Yonhap News, citing Reuters, reported, "The Trump administration is considering a premium service that would allow applicants to schedule their visa interviews sooner if they pay $1,000."

According to an internal State Department document obtained by the outlet, if this service is implemented, applicants would be able to skip the waiting line and receive their visa interviews ahead of others. The program is expected to be introduced as a pilot as early as December this year.

However, the State Department's legal team believes there is a significant risk that the Office of Management and Budget at the White House may oppose the expedited fee, or that the judiciary may prohibit it. This is because there is a Supreme Court precedent stating that the government cannot charge more in fees than the cost required to provide visa services. Currently, those visiting the United States for non-immigrant purposes, such as tourism, pay a visa processing fee of $185.

In response to questions about the premium service fee, a State Department spokesperson stated, "We do not comment on internal communications," and added, "Non-immigrant visa interview appointments are managed flexibly, and we continue to work globally to improve our services." Meanwhile, according to the State Department, a total of 10.4 million non-immigrant visas were issued in the 2023 fiscal year, of which 5.9 million were tourist visas.