The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is publishing a final rule that will increase U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees for premium processing to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. The USCIS Stabilization Act established the authority for DHS to adjust premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation. Fees will continue to be adjusted agency wide to account for inflation and protect the real dollar value of the premium processing service we provide. The revenue generated by this fee increase will be used to provide premium processing services; make improvements to adjudication processes; respond to adjudication demands, including processing backlogs; and otherwise fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.

This rule is effective on March 1, 2026. Individuals that submitted a benefit form before the transition date must submit the new fee as soon as possible. To request premium processing, you must submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. Individuals can only request premium processing if it’s been announced as an option for that benefit.

Changes from the Previous Fee to the New Fee

The application fees for the following Forms will increase from $1,685 to $1,780:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

The following application fees will increase from $2,805 to $2,965:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, all other available Form I-129 classifications:
  • 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.
• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, employment-based classifications:
  • E11.
  • E12.
  • E13.
  • E21 (NIW and non-NIW).
  • E31.
  • E32.
  • EW3.

The following filing fees will increase from $1,965 to $2,075:

• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status:
  • F-1.
  • F-2.
  • J-1.
  • J-2.
  • M-1.
  • M-2.

Filing fees will increase from $1,685 to $1,780 for the following visas:

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for certain eligible applications (OPT and STEM-OPT Classifications).

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.