Written by Swikriti
If you’re applying for a U.S. work visa, employment-based green card, or certain student-related benefits, expect higher costs soon: the U.S. government has confirmed that USCIS premium processing fees will increase starting March 1, 2026. The change affects several widely used immigration forms and may impact timelines and budgeting for applicants around the world.
Premium processing is an optional, paid service that allows faster processing for eligible immigration benefits. USCIS says the updated pricing is designed to keep pace with inflation and help fund operational improvements, including faster adjudication workflows and resources to address processing demands.
When do the new USCIS premium processing fees start?
The new fees take effect on March 1, 2026. If your premium processing request (Form I-907) is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, USCIS requires you to include the new fee amount for your specific benefit. Filing with the wrong fee can lead to delays or rejection.
Why are the fees increasing?
USCIS says the fee update reflects inflation from June 2023 through June 2025 and follows the agency’s authority to adjust premium processing fees every two years. The government states the added revenue supports premium processing delivery, adjudication upgrades, and broader USCIS services tied to decisions and naturalization.
Updated fee table: old vs new (effective March 1, 2026)
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- H-2B or R-1: $1,685 → $1,780
- All other eligible I-129 classifications (including E-1/E-2/E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1, O, P, Q, TN): $2,805 → $2,965
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker — employment-based)
- Eligible employment-based classifications (including EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 categories listed by USCIS): $2,805 → $2,965
Form I-539 (Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status — certain F/J/M categories)
- F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, M-1/M-2 requests: $1,965 → $2,075
Form I-765 (Employment Authorization — OPT & STEM OPT, for certain eligible filings)
- $1,685 → $1,780
Who is most likely to feel the impact?
These increases matter most for applicants who rely on faster decisions for time-sensitive situations—such as job start dates, employer onboarding, travel planning, or maintaining valid status. This includes:
- Employers filing time-sensitive work visa petitions (including H-1B and L-1 categories where premium processing is available)
- Professionals and families managing status changes or extensions
- International students filing OPT or STEM OPT where eligible for premium processing
- Employment-based green card applicants using Form I-140 when premium processing is available
How to avoid delays
- Double-check eligibility: Premium processing is only available where USCIS has announced it for that benefit/category.
- Use the correct fee: If filing on/after March 1, 2026, pay the updated amount for your form type.
- Plan ahead: If timing matters, consider submitting your request before the effective date where appropriate.
For the official USCIS announcement and full details, refer to the government notice here: USCIS: Premium Processing Fee Increase (effective March 1, 2026) .
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