The United States is considering imposing a $1,000 fee for tourists and other non-immigrant visa applicants who want a faster visa interview.
However, the lawyers have warned that there may be legal issues with this plan, a US official and internal State Department memo said, VisaGuide.World reports.
At present, persons entering the US on tourist and other non-immigrant visas are already obliged to pay a $185 processing fee.
The United States is considering a new $1,000 option that would permit some people to pay in order to get a faster visa interview.
According to a report from Reuters, the program will arrive in a pilot form by December of this year.
However, the State Department’s lawyers said that there is a risk that the plan could be rejected by the White House budget office or the US courts. Imposing a fee higher than the current cost of the service goes against the rules of the Supreme Court, according to the memo reviewed by Reuters.
A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that the department does not comment on internal documents and communications.
The department’s scheduling of non-immigrant visa interview appointments is dynamic and we are continually working to improve our operations worldwide.
7% Decline in International Travel Spending This Year, WTTC Warns
A recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council says that international spending in the US is expected to decrease by seven percent this year, or $12.5 billion.
The head of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Julia Simpson, said that foreign travelers are avoiding vacations to the United States due to unpopular policies under President Donald Trump, fear of being stopped at the border, and the weak exchange rate.
Of 184 countries, the U.S. is the only one that’s seeing an absolute decline in international visitor spending. The U.S. is definitely losing its crown in this area.
She said that the US is the largest travel and tourism economy worldwide. However, she said that foreign travel is expected to decline by under $169 billion this year, down from $181 billion registered in 2024.
Trump has significantly tightened immigration rules since January 20, taking into account revoking some student visas and tightening visa requirements.
The Trump administration requires international travelers aged 14 and older to register and also submit fingerprints if they stay in the US for longer than 30 days.