Summary (tl;dr)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to increase fees for its premium processing service across various immigration applications, effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment, driven by inflation, will impact individuals and employers seeking expedited processing of their petitions.

Essential Background

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. To manage the high volume of applications, USCIS offers a service called "premium processing." This allows petitioners to pay an additional fee to have certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests processed at an accelerated rate, typically within 15 business days, guaranteeing a decision or action within that timeframe. The fees for these expedited services are periodically adjusted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to account for inflation and operational costs, as mandated by the USCIS Stabilization Act.

The Full Story

USCIS has announced a final rule to increase premium processing fees, with the new rates taking effect on March 1, 2026. This adjustment reflects the amount of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025, with an average increase of approximately 5.7%. Specifically, premium processing fees for Form I-129 petitions for nonimmigrant workers (including H-1B, H-2B, and R-1 visas) will rise from $1,685 to $1,780. Other Form I-129 classifications (such as L-1, O-1, P-1, and Q-1 visas) and employment-based Form I-140 petitions will increase from $2,805 to $2,965. Fees for Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status, will go from $1,965 to $2,075, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, will increase from $1,685 to $1,780. Applicants submitting Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the updated fee.

Why It Matters

These fee increases are significant for foreign nationals and employers who rely on expedited processing for time-sensitive immigration matters. The higher costs add to the overall expenses of navigating the U.S. immigration system, potentially posing a financial burden for some applicants and businesses. USCIS states that the fee adjustments are necessary to ensure the premium processing service remains efficient, adequately funded, and helps address growing backlogs and inflationary pressures on its services. The additional revenue generated is intended to improve adjudication processes, reduce backlogs, and support other USCIS operational and naturalization functions.

Geographic Location

• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (location of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which announced the fee increases)