If you rely on premium processing to get faster immigration decisions, there’s an important change coming. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is increasing premium processing fees, and the new fees will apply to cases filed on or after March 1, 2026.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing — and what it means for you.
🔎 What Is Premium Processing?
Premium processing is an optional service offered by USCIS that allows applicants and employers to pay an extra fee to receive faster decisions on certain immigration petitions and applications. To request it, you submit Form I-907 along with the required premium processing fee.
Once the request is accepted, USCIS generally processes eligible cases within 15Â or 45 calendar days.
📅 When Do the New Fees Start?
The new fee schedule takes effect March 1, 2026. USCIS will require the updated fee for any premium processing request postmarked on or after that date. If a request is filed before March 1, 2026, and uses the older fee, it should still be accepted at the current rate.Â
💸 What’s Changing?
Below is a simple breakdown of how key premium processing fees are increasing. These figures apply when submitting Form I-907, the form used to request premium processing:Â
| Type of Filing | Old Fee | New Fee (March 1, 2026) |
| I-129 (H-2B, R-1) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3, etc.) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| I-140 (Employment-Based Petitions) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| I-539 (Change/Extend Status) | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| I-765 (Employment Authorization, e.g., OPT/STEM OPT) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
Note: These are the most common categories that use premium processing. USCIS may adjust other categories as well.
📈 Why Are Fees Increasing?
This increase isn’t a policy shift in how premium processing works — it’s a routine inflation adjustment. By law, USCIS adjusts these fees every two years to keep up with inflation and help the agency continue providing timely service.Â
🧠What This Means for You
- Budget Planning: If you’re an employer or sponsor planning filings in 2026, expect slightly higher costs for expedited processing.
- File Before March 1? If you submit your premium processing request before March 1 with the current fee amount, you can save on costs — just be sure it’s postmarked early enough.
- Avoid Rejection: USCIS will reject premium processing requests submitted with the wrong fee after March 1. That means applications could be returned, slowing down processing and potentially affecting start dates or travel plans.Â
🧳 Final Thoughts
Premium processing remains a valuable tool for anyone needing faster immigration decisions. While fees are going up modestly, staying informed ahead of the change will help you plan smartly and avoid surprises.
If you have questions about how this fee change affects a specific case or visa category, consider scheduling a consultation with immigration attorney ANNELISE SANDER. Contact our team to schedule your appointment.Â
