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USCIS Premium Processing Fees Increasing in 2026: What Employers and Visa Applicants Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule increasing USCIS premium processing fees beginning March 1, 2026.

If you plan to request premium processing using Form I-907, the fee you pay will depend on when the request is postmarked. Any premium processing request submitted on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new fee. Learn more about I-907 Premium Processing here.

For employers, investors, and foreign nationals filing employment-based immigration petitions, this change may impact budgeting and filing strategy.

Why Are USCIS Premium Processing Fees Increasing?

Under federal law, USCIS is permitted to adjust premium processing fees to account for inflation.

According to DHS, the additional revenue will support:

  • Premium processing operations
  • Case adjudication improvements
  • Backlog reduction efforts
  • Broader USCIS adjudication and naturalization services


Premium processing remains optional and is only available for certain designated classifications.

Updated Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026

Here is a breakdown of the new premium processing fees:

Form I-129 – Nonimmigrant Worker Petitions

H-2B and R-1 Petitions

  • Previous fee: $1,685
  • New fee: $1,780


All Other Eligible I-129 Classifications
(Including H-1B, L-1A, H-3, L-1B, E-1, E-2, E-3, O-1, P classifications, TN, Q-1, and others)

  • Previous fee: $2,805
  • New fee: $2,965


This increase affects many of the most common employment-based visa categories used by U.S. companies and investors.

Form I-140 – Employment-Based Green Card Petitions

Premium processing for employment-based immigrant petitions (including EB-1, EB-2, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, and EB-3 categories) will increase:

  • Previous fee: $2,805
  • New fee: $2,965


Employers sponsoring foreign workers through PERM or professionals filing National Interest Waiver petitions should factor this change into 2026 planning.

Form I-539 – Change or Extension of Status

For eligible F, J, and M nonimmigrant classifications:

  • Previous fee: $1,965
  • New fee: $2,075


Form I-765 – Employment Authorization (OPT and STEM OPT)

For certain eligible premium processing upgrades:

  • Previous fee: $1,685
  • New fee: $1,780


If your business regularly uses premium processing for workforce planning, budgeting adjustments may be necessary for future filings.

Published: February 19, 2026
Written by: Attorney Alice Burgos, Founder of Burgos Law

Attorney Alice Burgos is an employment-based immigration attorney who represents U.S. employers, investors, and foreign professionals in complex nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters.

She regularly prepares and files Form I-907 premium processing requests across a wide range of employment-based cases and advises clients on when upgrading to premium processing is strategically beneficial. Attorney Burgos has extensive experience handling premium processing for:

• H-1B petitions (cap, transfer, amendment, and extension cases)
• L-1A and L-1B intracompany transfers
• E-2 investor petitions filed with USCIS
• O-1 extraordinary ability petitions
• I-140 immigrant petitions (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and National Interest Waiver cases)
• OPT and STEM OPT eligible filings

With a strong understanding of evolving DHS regulations, Federal Register updates, and real-world business needs, Attorney Burgos delivers practical, forward-thinking immigration counsel designed to protect both short-term approvals and long-term immigration goals.

If your company or case may be affected by the USCIS premium processing fee increase in 2026, schedule a strategy session with Burgos Law to develop a proactive filing strategy.

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