USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increases (Effective March 1, 2026)
USCIS has announced that premium processing fees are expected to increase starting March 1, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to publish the rule that will increase USCIS premium processing fees to account for inflation measured from June 2023 through June 2025.
Under the USCIS Stabilization Act, DHS may adjust premium processing fees every two years to keep pace with inflation and help maintain service levels.
What This Means
Under the new rule, if you submit a premium processing request on or after March 1, 2026, you must:
- Include the new premium processing fee
- File Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing
- Confirm that premium processing is available for your specific benefit
Requests filed with the old fee on or after this date may be rejected.
Updated Premium Processing Fees
Form | Description | Classifications | Previous Fee | New Fee |
Form I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status | $1,685 | $1,780 |
Form I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, TN-2 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, employment-based classifications | E11, E12, E13, E21 (NIW and non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
Form I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2 | $1,965 | $2,075 |
Form I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization, for certain eligible applications | OPT and STEM-OPT classifications | $1,685 | $1,780 |
Why USCIS Is Raising Fees
USCIS says the additional funds will help:
- Maintain premium processing services
- Improve case processing times
- Address application backlogs
- Support broader adjudication and naturalization services
Plan Ahead
Employers and foreign nationals planning filings in 2026 should review timelines and budgets now to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
How Ellis Can Help
Ellis helps companies and individuals plan immigration filings strategically, including when and whether premium processing makes sense.
If you have upcoming filings in 2026 or questions about how this change affects your case, get in touch today.
This information is provided for general awareness only and is not legal advice.