As the United States prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has introduced new procedures designed to help international ticket holders secure expedited visa interview appointments more efficiently through FIFA’s Priority Appointment Scheduling System (“PASS”).

What Is FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS is a scheduling initiative available to individuals who purchased official World Cup tickets directly through FIFA. The program allows eligible applicants to access a separate pool of visa interview appointments at participating U.S. consulates. Importantly, FIFA PASS is not a visa category, does not provide any immigration status, or guarantee visa approval. Instead, it offers access to priority interview scheduling for qualifying applicants who have purchased official World Cup tickets.

How the Process Works
Applicants seeking to use FIFA PASS must still complete the standard visa application process. DOS guidance indicates that applicants generally must:

1. Complete and submit Form DS-160;
2. Log into their FIFA account and opt into the PASS program;
3. Save the unique PASS identification key generated during registration; and
4. Use the designated U.S. visa scheduling platform for their country to request an appointment through the FIFA PASS system.

Applicants should ensure passport details and personal information exactly match across all submissions. Inconsistencies between the DS-160, passport information, and FIFA registration records may result in appointment delays or cancellations.

Expedited Appointments Do Not Guarantee Visa Approval
While PASS may shorten wait times for interviews, applicants must still independently qualify for the visa sought. For B-1/B-2 visitor visas in particular, applicants remain subject to INA § 214(b), which requires proof of sufficient ties abroad and an intent to return home after temporary travel. Simply possessing World Cup tickets will generally not satisfy this requirement. Applicants should be able to demonstrate and speak to their ties abroad including employment, family, and property.

ESTA Travelers May Not Need a Visa
Nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may continue to travel using ESTA authorization rather than applying for a visitor visa.

PASS May Be Available Beyond Tourist Visas
Although the program is intended for tourism travel to the U.S. to attend the World Cup, travelers may be able to obtain expedited appointments for employment-based classifications, including H 1B visas, through the PASS system. However, procedures may vary by consular post, and applicants should not assume consistent treatment across locations.

Increased Consular Staffing Ahead of the Tournament
DOS has indicated that it plans to deploy hundreds of additional consular officers to posts expected to experience elevated demand in connection with the World Cup. High-volume locations in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Morocco may receive temporary staffing support.

DOS Visa Bond Program Remains Relevant for Certain Nationals
Applicants from designated countries may still be subject to DOS’s visa bond pilot program. Under current procedures, some B-1/B-2 applicants may be required to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 using DHS Form I-352 through Pay.gov. Travelers subject to the bond program must also comply with specific port-of-entry restrictions. DOS has implemented limited exemptions related to World Cup participation, including certain waivers for athletes, team personnel, support staff, and qualifying immediate family members.

Practical Considerations for Travelers and Employers
Individuals planning to attend the World Cup or employers assisting foreign nationals with U.S. travel should consider several practical steps:

• Maintain Documentation
  Applicants should keep copies of ticket purchase confirmations, PASS registration confirmations; and the unique PASS key issued during enrollment. These materials may be requested during the visa interview process.
• Prepare Financial Evidence
  Travelers should be prepared to demonstrate the financial ability to cover transportation, lodging, and related travel expenses.
• Evaluate Timing Carefully
  DOS has advised that applicants with interviews already scheduled before May 31, 2026, generally should keep those appointments rather than attempt rescheduling through PASS.
• Assess 214(b) Risks Early
  Applicants with weak evidence of ties abroad may benefit from advance legal guidance before attending an interview. World Cup attendance alone is unlikely to overcome concerns regarding immigrant intent.
• Monitor Consular Operations
  Appointment availability and local procedures may continue to evolve as consulates respond to increased demand. Country-specific guidance should be reviewed regularly.

The FIFA PASS program may provide meaningful scheduling advantages for some World Cup travelers and certain nonimmigrant visa applicants. However, the initiative does not alter substantive visa eligibility standards, waive statutory requirements, or guarantee approval. Given heightened demand, evolving DOS procedures, and continued scrutiny under INA § 214(b), travelers and employers should plan well in advance and carefully evaluate country-specific requirements and timing considerations before making travel arrangements.

Please contact the immigration group at Ryan Swanson prior to your travel if you have any questions about your specific situation.