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USCIS Announces Inflation-Adjusted Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026

January 13, 2026

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a final rule adjusting its premium processing fees to reflect inflation, as authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act. The new fee structure is effective March 1, 2026 for any Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, postmarked on or after that date. Petitioners and applicants who file premium processing requests with outdated fees after that date will have their requests rejected and returned.

    Premium processing remains an optional service that guarantees USCIS action (such as approval, denial, or RFE) within a statutory timeframe (e.g., 15, 30, or 45 business days depending on the case type: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing) when the correct fee is paid and the I-907 is properly filed.

    Updated Premium Processing Fee Schedule (Effective March 1, 2026)

    Form / Case Type Current Fee (Before March 1, 2026) New Fee (Effective March 1, 2026) Increase
    Form I-129 — H-2B & R-1 classifications $1,685 $1,780 +$95
    Form I-129 — all other eligible classifications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E) $2,805 $2,965 +$160
    Form I-140 — Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (EB petitions) $2,805 $2,965 +$160
    Form I-539 — Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (F, J, M categories) $1,965 $2,075 +$110
    Form I-765 — Employment Authorization (e.g., OPT/STEM-OPT) $1,685 $1,780 +$95

    This table reflects the fee components for the requested expedited service only (Form I-907). Underlying base filing fees are separate and must also be paid where required.

    This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed herein represent those of the individual author only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC. Although we attempt to ensure that postings on our website are complete, accurate, and up to date, we assume no responsibility for their completeness, accuracy, or timeliness.

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