January 9, 2026 — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today confirmed that premium processing fees for many immigration benefit requests will increase beginning March 1, 2026. The change comes as part of a biennial, inflation-based adjustment required under federal law and outlined by USCIS in an official alert.
Premium processing — an optional service that expedites adjudication of certain immigration petitions and applications — has become an essential tool for employers and applicants seeking faster decisions in time-sensitive cases. Under the updated schedule, requests for premium processing filed on or after March 1, 2026, must include the new fee amount, or USCIS will return the filing and delay processing.
The fee adjustments were authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act and reflect inflation measured between June 2023 and June 2025. Officials say the additional revenue will support the delivery of premium processing services and help address adjudication demands, including staffing and backlog challenges.
What’s Changing: New Premium Processing Fee Schedule
The updated fees reflect Consumer Price Index inflation measured from June 2023 through June 2025 and apply to many of the most widely used petitions and applications, including employment-based and change-of-status categories.
Premium Processing Fee Changes (Effective March 1, 2026)
| Form & Category | Previous Fee | New Fee (Effective 3/1/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 – H-2B, R-1 nonimmigrant workers | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| Form I-129 – all other classifications (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E, P, Q) |
$2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-140 – employment-based immigrant petitions (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-539 – change/extension of nonimmigrant status (F, J, M categories) | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765 – employment authorization, including OPT/STEM OPT | $1,685 | $1,780 |
These premium processing fees are in addition to the regular base filing fees for the underlying petition or application. The updated amounts apply only to Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, and do not change standard filing fees.
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
Premium processing guarantees that USCIS will take adjudicative action (such as an approval, denial, or request for evidence) within specific timeframes, typically 15 business days for most I-129 and I-140 filings and up to 30–45 business days for certain other classifications.
Because the new fee structure takes effect based on the postmark date, petitioners and applicants planning to file premium processing requests in early 2026 may find it beneficial to submit before March 1 using the current fees. Filings with outdated fees after that date could be rejected, resulting in costly delays.
USCIS continues to emphasize that premium processing availability varies by category and must be announced as available for the specific benefit being requested. Stakeholders should consult the agency’s official fee tables and filing instructions to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Filing Tips and Best Practices
- Submit filings early: Cases postmarked before March 1, 2026, may still use the existing fees.
- Verify fee amounts: Submitting Form I-907 with an outdated fee amount after March 1 could lead to rejection and delays.
- Budget accordingly: Employers and individuals should update internal immigration cost projections based on the new fee schedule.
USCIS continues to monitor and update fees across many immigration processes; stakeholders should regularly consult the agency’s official fee announcements and their legal advisors for the latest guidance.
Concerned about how the USCIS premium processing fee increase may affect your case? Don’t navigate these changes alone. If you’re planning to file for a visa, adjustment of status, or employment-based green card, our team is here to help you strategize and move forward with confidence. Request your free evaluation today and get personalized guidance tailored to your immigration goals!
