USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026

Posted on Feb 2, 2026 by Chris Prescott

Premium Processing is an optional service offered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain immigration petitions to be adjudicated on an expedited timeline in exchange for an additional government filing fee. When Premium Processing is requested, USCIS guarantees action on the case by issuing an approval, denial, request for evidence (RFE), or notice of intent to deny (NOID) within a fixed number of days depending on the petition type. For many employment-based filings, this processing window is significantly shorter than standard processing, which can otherwise take several months or longer.

For many employers and foreign nationals, Premium Processing is often the most strategic option, not merely a convenience. Faster adjudication provides critical certainty for workforce planning, onboarding timelines, travel, visa stamping, and long-term immigration strategy. It can reduce prolonged periods of status uncertainty, minimize business disruption, and allow petitioners to respond more quickly if USCIS issues an RFE. 

USCIS has announced an increase in premium processing fees under a final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The adjustment reflects inflationary changes authorized by the USCIS Stabilization Act and affects several commonly used immigration filings.

PSBP Law graphic announcing USCIS increases premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, with approved documents on a desk.
When the New Fees Apply

The updated fees take effect on March 1, 2026. Any Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, postmarked on or after this date must include the correct fee. Filings submitted with incorrect fees may be rejected or delayed.

Updated Premium Processing Fees

  • Form I-129 (H-2B or R-1): $1,780 (up from $1,685)
  • Form I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, TN, and others): $2,965 (up from $2,805)
  • Form I-140 (EB-1, EB-2/NIW, EB-3): $2,965 (up from $2,805)
  • Form I-539 (F, J, M): $2,075 (up from $1,965)
  • Form I-765 (EAD, including OPT and STEM OPT): $1,780 (up from $1,685)
Conclusion

If you plan to file with premium processing on or after March 1, 2026, confirm the correct filing fee to avoid delays. For questions or guidance on how this change may affect your case, contact Partner Chris Prescott at cprescott@psbplaw.com.