U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major update to premium processing fees that will take effect on March 1, 2026. This change affects petitioners and applicants who use premium processing, a service that guarantees faster USCIS action on eligible forms when the correct fee is paid.
Why USCIS Is Raising Premium Processing Fees
The fee increase reflects a biennial inflation adjustment authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act. This law allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust premium processing fees every two years to keep pace with inflation and maintain the service’s real value. The latest adjustment accounts for inflation between June 2023 and June 2025.
When the New Premium Processing Fees Take Effect
- 📆 Effective Date: March 1, 2026
- 📮 Important: Any Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) that is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the updated fee. Filings submitted with the old fee will be returned or rejected by USCIS.
Updated Premium Processing Fee Schedule (2026)
Below is a breakdown of the new premium processing fees that petitioners and applicants should budget for starting March 1, 2026:
| Form / Filing Type | New Premium Processing Fee (Effective 03/01/2026) |
|---|---|
| Form I-129 — H-2B & R-1 classifications | $1,780 |
| Form I-129 — All other eligible classifications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E) | $2,965 |
| Form I-140 — Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $2,965 |
| Form I-539 — Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | $2,075 |
| Form I-765 — Employment Authorization (OPT/STEM OPT) | $1,780 |
(These fees apply only to premium processing and are in addition to the base filing fees for each form.)
Who Is Most Affected
This fee change impacts a wide range of applicants and employers, including:
- Employers filing work visas like H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and other employment classifications.
- Immigrant workers and employers submitting I-140 petitions.
- International students and exchange visitors using premium processing for OPT, STEM OPT, or status changes.
Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejections
✔️ Submit premium processing requests before March 1, 2026, if possible, to lock in the lower fee.
✔️ Always use the correct fee with Form I-907 — USCIS will return filings with incorrect payments.
✔️ Plan ahead when budgeting for visa filings and renewals that may rely on expedited processing.
Why This Matters
Premium processing remains a crucial tool for employers and foreign nationals who need rapid USCIS decisions. Even though fees are rising, the service helps secure faster adjudication, often within weeks instead of months, which can be key for hiring timelines, work start dates, and maintaining immigration status.
