New Paid Fast-Track Interview Program for B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants
B-1/B-2 簽證申請人新設付費快速面試計畫
Introduction
The United States Department of State will launch a temporary pilot program on July 1, 2026, which allows eligible B-1/B-2 visa applicants to pay for faster interview appointments.
美國國務院將於 2026 年 7 月 1 日推出一項臨時試行計畫，允許符合資格的 B-1/B-2 簽證申請人透過付費來加快面試預約。
Main Body
The program will run from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Qualified applicants can get an interview within ten days if they pay a $750 premium fee in addition to the standard $185 application cost. This system is designed to reduce the problems caused by long waiting lists, which in some areas are longer than one year. Consequently, the State Department will use this six-month period to study the demand before deciding if the program should become permanent.
該計畫將於 2026 年 7 月 1 日至 12 月 31 日期間運行。符合資格的申請人在支付 185 美元的標準申請費之外，若額外支付 750 美元的優先費用，即可在十天內獲得面試機會。此系統旨在減少因候選名單過長而引起的問題，在某些地區，等待時間甚至超過一年。因此，國務院將利用這六個月的時間研究需求，以決定該計畫是否應轉為永久性。
It is important to note that paying for a faster slot does not change the decision process. The fee does not help applicants meet eligibility requirements, nor does it increase the chance of getting a visa; all standard security checks are still required. Furthermore, each consulate will limit the number of fast-track slots to ensure that people using the standard service are not unfairly delayed. Please note that the premium fee is non-refundable if the applicant cancels or misses the appointment.
需要注意的是，支付費用以獲取較快時段並不影響決定過程。該費用不能幫助申請人滿足資格要求，也不會增加獲得簽證的機率；所有標準的安全檢查依然是必需的。此外，每個領事館將限制快速通道的名額，以確保使用標準服務的人員不會被不公平地延遲。請注意，若申請人取消或錯過預約，優先費用將不予退還。
This service is a separate option and does not replace existing emergency request channels. For example, applicants facing humanitarian crises or those with urgent government needs can still use traditional request methods. The program is timed to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, which are expected to increase the number of visa applications. Experts emphasize that this will be especially helpful for business travelers and people in high-demand regions, such as India, who can afford the fee.
此服務是一個獨立選項，並不取代現有的緊急申請管道。例如，面臨人道主義危機或有緊急政府需求的申請人，仍可使用傳統的申請方法。該計畫的時間點是為了準備 2026 年 FIFA 世界盃及 2028 年奧運會，預計屆時簽證申請數量將會增加。專家強調，這對於能負擔該費用且處於高需求地區（如印度）的商務旅客及人士將特別有幫助。
Conclusion
The pilot program offers a paid option for quicker scheduling, but it does not change the basic legal rules for entering the US.
該試行計畫提供了一個付費以快速預約的選項，但並未改變進入美國的基本法律規定。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The "Logic Connector" Leap
At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to show cause-and-effect and addition using more sophisticated signals. This text provides a perfect map for this transition.
🛠️ From Simple to Sophisticated
Look at how the text moves beyond basic words:
-
Instead of "So..." "Consequently..."
- A2: The lists are long, so the government will study the demand.
- B2: Long waiting lists exist. Consequently, the State Department will study the demand.
- Coach's Tip: Use "Consequently" at the start of a sentence to sound more professional and academic.
-
Instead of "Also..." "Furthermore..."
- A2: The fee is expensive. Also, it is non-refundable.
- B2: The fee is expensive. Furthermore, it is non-refundable.
- Coach's Tip: "Furthermore" tells the reader that the next point is even more important than the last.
🔍 The "Not Only... But Also" Logic
Notice the phrase: "...does not change the decision process. The fee does not help... nor does it increase..."
Using "nor" is a high-level B2 move. It allows you to negate two things in one flow.
Try this mental shift:
- A2: It doesn't help with requirements and it doesn't increase your chances.
- B2: It doesn't help with requirements, nor does it increase your chances.
💡 Practical Application
To sound more like a B2 speaker today, stop using "and" for every new idea. Replace it with "In addition" or "Furthermore" when adding a new fact to your argument.