Department of State Introduces $750 Expedited B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Pilot Program
Beginning July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will implement a temporary pilot program allowing eligible B-1 business visitor and B-2 tourist visa applicants to pay an additional $750 expedited interview appointment fee. Eligibility for the program will be limited to applicants who meet criteria established by the Department of State.
The pilot program will remain in effect through December 31, 2026, and will allow eligible applicants at participating U.S. embassies and consulates to obtain a visa interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability. The Department of State has not yet identified the participating visa posts or announced additional eligibility requirements but has indicated that further information will be published on Travel.State.Gov as the program is implemented. Continue to monitor Immigration Insights for additional updates.
New B-1 Specialized Trainer Visa Category Recognized by the Department of State
The U.S. Department of State has formally recognized the B-1 Specialized Trainer visa category, providing employers with a more clearly defined option to bring certain foreign experts to the United States to conduct temporary training and facilitate knowledge transfer. This category is intended for limited circumstances involving specialized technical expertise and is subject to specific eligibility requirements. It is not a substitute for a traditional work visa, and employers should carefully evaluate whether a proposed training assignment qualifies before proceeding.
Organizations with cross-border operations, specialized equipment, or international training programs may benefit from this new guidance. If your company is considering bringing foreign personnel to the United States for short-term training, we encourage you to consult with immigration counsel to determine whether the B-1 Specialized Trainer category may be available.
R-1 Religious Workers: Planning Ahead After the Five-Year Maximum Stay
Religious organizations with employees in R-1 status should keep in mind an important change that took effect earlier this year. Effective January 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security eliminated the long-standing requirement that religious workers remain outside the United States for one year after reaching the five-year maximum period of stay before becoming eligible for a new period of R-1 classification. The change is intended to promote continuity for religious organizations by reducing disruptions caused by extended absences, particularly in light of ongoing EB-4 immigrant visa backlogs.
As a result, workers who reach the five-year maximum period of stay are no longer required to spend one year abroad before returning to the United States. Instead, once a new Form I-129 petition is approved and, if applicable, a new R-1 visa is issued, they may return without the lengthy waiting period previously required.
If your organization employs R-1 religious workers, this change may affect your workforce planning. Employers with workers approaching the five-year limit should consult with immigration counsel to discuss petition timing, travel considerations, and strategies to help minimize disruptions.
Did You Know?
Munsch Hardt's Immigration Practice Group recently secured approval of an H-3 Trainee petition on behalf of a U.S. employer. Although the H-3 category is often overlooked, it can provide an effective immigration solution for employers seeking to bring foreign nationals to the United States for qualifying training that is unavailable in their home country. Employers with international training programs are encouraged to consult with experienced immigration counsel to determine whether the H-3 category may fit their workforce needs.