WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department will offer a “premium” expedited service for foreigners seeking business or tourist visas to come to the United States that will set applicants back US$750 — on top of the initial fee of US$185.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register this week, the department will unveil a pilot program that will allow visa applicants to pay the US$750 to schedule an appointment for an interview within 10 days of the payment at select US embassies and consulates.

The pilot programme will run from July 1 to December 31, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press and a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the program has not yet been announced.