USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees in 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new increases to premium processing fees that will take effect on March 1, 2026. The fee changes reflect adjustments for inflation as authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act to ensure continued timely service and operational capacity.

What Is Premium Processing?

Premium processing is an optional USCIS service that allows applicants and petitioners to receive faster adjudication of eligible immigration forms. By paying an additional fee, USCIS guarantees a response—either an approval, denial, or request for evidence—within a defined timeframe, typically 15 calendar days. This service is widely used by employers and foreign national workers seeking expedited decisions on employment-based petitions and other benefit requests.

Why the Fee Increase?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act to adjust premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The goal is to preserve the real dollar value of the fees so that USCIS can maintain efficient operations and service standards. The upcoming adjustment reflects inflation changes between June 2023 and June 2025. (uscis.gov)

New Fee Schedule Effective March 1, 2026

Starting March 1, 2026, USCIS will require updated fee amounts for all premium processing requests (Form I-907) postmarked on or after that date. Below are the updated fee amounts according to the final rule:

• Form I-129 (H-2B, R-1): increases from $1,685 → $1,780
• Form I-129 (all other classifications including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3): increases from $2,805 → $2,965
• Form I-140 (employment-based immigrant petitions): increases from $2,805 → $2,965
• Form I-539 (F, J, M extensions/changes): increases from $1,965 → $2,075
• Form I-765 (employment authorization/OPT/STEM OPT): increases from $1,685 → $1,780

These increases will apply to employers, international students, and workers seeking expedited processing on eligible forms. Filing with an incorrect fee after March 1, 2026 will result in rejection of the filing. (uscis.gov)

Planning for the Change

If you are considering filing for premium processing in early 2026, you may benefit from submitting your request before March 1 to take advantage of the current fee. For filings postmarked on or after March 1, include the updated premium processing fee to avoid rejected filings and potential delays. Understanding and planning for these fee changes can help manage case timelines and budgeting for employers and applicants alike.

Conclusion

USCIS’s premium processing fee increase in 2026 reflects ongoing adjustments to maintain service standards under inflationary pressures. Petitioners and applicants should be prepared for updated fees starting March 1, 2026, and review filing strategies accordingly.