USCIS Premium Processing Fees Will Increase Effective March 1, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule raising USCIS premium processing fees for eligible filings, and requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new fee.
Introduction
On January 12, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule adjusting premium processing fees to reflect inflation measured from June 2023 through June 2025 (a 5.72% CPI-U increase). The rule is effective March 1, 2026.
Premium processing is an optional USCIS service that allows certain petitioners and applicants to request expedited adjudication by paying an additional fee on top of the underlying filing fee.
New Premium Processing Fees
DHS/USCIS has set new premium processing fees in the final rule. If your Form I-907 premium processing request is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, USCIS must receive the applicable “new fee” amount below (in addition to the underlying filing fee).
| Premium Processing Request Type (examples) | Previous Fee | New Fee |
| Most Form I-129 classifications (e.g., E-1/E-2/E-3, H-1B, L-1, O, P, Q, TN) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-129 for H-2B or R-1 | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| Form I-140 (employment-based immigrant petitions, including NIW where eligible) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-539 change/extension for certain nonimmigrant categories (including F/J/M change of status and certain dependents/extensions) | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765 employment authorization (where premium processing is available, including certain OPT/STEM OPT requests) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
Key Compliance Reminders
- Effective Date (March 1, 2026) Matters
If the premium processing request is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, the new fee must be paid for the specific benefit and classification.
- Use the Correct Form
Premium processing must be requested on Form I-907 and filed per the form instructions.
- File and Pay Carefully
If filing Form I-907 together with the underlying petition/application, all required fees must be paid in the correct amounts (and premium processing is paid in addition to other filing fees).
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Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading any content on our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney.