Pay $1,000 to get faster US visa: Trump’s proposal

The Trump administration is considering implementing a $1,000 (approximately ₹86,000) fee for expedited U.S. visa interviews, allowing tourists and other non-immigrant visa applicants to bypass the standard wait times, which can extend up to 14 months in cities like Chennai .

Key Details of the Proposal

• Premium Service Fee: Applicants would pay an additional $1,000 on top of the existing $185 processing fee to access faster interview appointments .
• Pilot Program Timeline: An internal State Department memo suggests that a pilot version of this program could launch as early as December 2025 .
• Legal Concerns: State Department legal advisers have raised concerns about the legality of charging such a fee, noting that fees exceeding the cost of providing the service may be contrary to Supreme Court precedent .

Context and Implications

This proposal aligns with President Trump's broader immigration strategy, which includes initiatives like the proposed "gold card" offering U.S. citizenship for a $5 million investment .

The World Travel and Tourism Council projects a 7% decline in international travel spending to the U.S. in 2025, attributing it to factors such as a strong dollar and concerns over U.S. immigration policies .

For Indian applicants, who often face long wait times for visa interviews, this expedited service could offer a faster alternative. However, the additional cost may not be feasible for all travelers.

As of now, the proposal is under internal review, and no official confirmation has been provided by the U.S. government.