The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed a significant hike in premium processing fees for immigration applications, effective March 1, 2026.
The fee increase, which averages 5.6%, is expected to impact thousands of businesses, students, and immigrants seeking expedited processing for work permits, residency applications, and student visas.
Why the Fee Increase?
The DHS explained that the fee adjustment is necessary to combat the rising costs of inflation and to stabilize the agency’s budget. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the increased revenue will be directed toward enhancing immigration services, reducing processing backlogs, and improving adjudication infrastructure. The new pricing will also help support the naturalization process for eligible applicants.
A USCIS spokesperson stated, “These adjustments are vital to maintaining the integrity of our services. The funds raised will be used to improve our adjudication processes, tackle ongoing backlogs, and ultimately enhance our naturalization services.”
What’s Changing for Immigrant Applicants?
The fee hikes will affect a wide range of applications under premium processing, a service designed to expedite immigration decisions. Key changes include:
- Form I-129 for H-2B or R-1 non-immigrant visas: Fee increases from $1,685 to $1,780.
- Form I-765 for student employment authorization (OPT and STEM-OPT): The fee will rise to $1,780.
- H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN visa petitions: The processing fee will increase from $2,805 to $2,965.
- Form I-140 for employment-based immigrant petitions: The fee will also increase to $2,965.
- Form I-539 for changes in student or exchange visitor status: Fees will increase from $1,965 to $2,075.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Businesses?
The fee increase is particularly impactful for businesses seeking skilled foreign workers and students applying for work authorizations. It could also have far-reaching effects for those looking to extend or adjust their visa status. The DHS urges all applicants to ensure that their payments are in compliance with the new fees, as any application postmarked after the March 1 deadline without the updated payment will be rejected.
Adapting to the Changes
Applicants are reminded that premium processing is only available for specific immigration categories where the service has been officially announced. With the upcoming fee increase, U.S. immigration services are prioritizing both faster decisions and necessary infrastructure improvements.
The USCIS remains committed to streamlining the immigration process, but the fee increase is a necessary step to ensure the ongoing strength and efficiency of the system in the face of rising operational costs.
For businesses and individuals planning to file applications under premium processing, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid delays or complications related to these changes.
