USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees From March 2026

If you use premium processing to speed up U.S. Visa or work permit decisions, there is a chance you should plan for. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that premium processing fees charged by USCIS will increase from March 1, 2026.

The reason is quite simple. Inflation.

Let’s break down the upcoming premium processing fee changes in simple terms.

Why USCIS Is Increasing Premium Processing Fees

USCIS is allowed by law to adjust premium processing fees every two years. The goal is to keep up with inflation and protect the real value of the service.

According to DHS, the extra money will be used to:

• Keep premium processing running smoothly
• Improve how applications are reviewed
• Deal with heavy workloads and backlogs
• Support regular immigration and naturalisation services

In short, USCIS states that the increase enables them to process immigration applications more efficiently and quickly.

When the New Fees Apply

The new fees will take effect on March 1, 2026. If your premium processing request is postmarked on or after this date, USCIS will only accept the new fee. Older amounts will not be enough.

To request premium processing, applicants must still file Form I-907 and follow the instructions carefully.

New USCIS Premium Processing Fees

Here’s the breakdown of what is changing in the Premium Processing Fees. Most jumps are about 5-6%, but they add up if you’re rushing a visa.

Form I-129 (Nonimmigrant Worker Petitions)

H-2B and R-1 visas

• Old fee: $1,685
• New fee: $1,780

All other I-129 categories, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E visas, and more

• Old fee: $2,805
• New fee: $2,965

Form I-140 (Employment-Based Green Card Petitions)

Applies to EB-1, EB-2 (including NIW), EB-3, and related categories.

• Old fee: $2,805
• New fee: $2,965

Form I-539 (Change or Extension of Status)

For F, J, and M visa holders and their dependents.

• Old fee: $1,965
• New fee: $2,075

Form I-765 (Work Permit Applications)

For eligible OPT and STEM OPT applicants.

• Old fee: $1,685
• New fee: $1,780

New Fees at a Glance

Form	Old Fee	New Fee
I-129 (H-2B or R-1)	$1,685	$1,780
I-129 (Most others: E, H-1B, L, O, P, Q, TN)	$2,805	$2,965
I-140 (Employment-based immigrant petitions)	$2,805	$2,965
I-539 (F, J, M Extensions/Changes)	$1,965	$2,075
I-765 (OPT/STEM-OPT work auth)	$1,685	$1,780

One Important Reminder

Premium processing is not available for every visa or benefit. You can only use it if USCIS has officially announced premium processing for that category. Before paying the fee, double-check that your benefit qualifies.

What This Means for Travellers and Foreign Workers

If timing matters to you, premium processing still offers faster decisions. But from March 2026, it will cost a bit more.

Planning ahead matters now more than ever. If you are filing close to the deadline, make sure you use the correct fee amount. A small mistake could slow things down instead of speeding them up.

For many applicants, that extra cost may still be worth the peace of mind.