On January 9, 2026, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an increase in premium processing fees, effective March 1, 2026.
To most applicants, this increase may seem part of the ongoing uncertainties around immigration and the tightening of USCIS scrutiny.
However, this is not a sudden policy shift or a new restriction aimed at employers or foreign nationals. Instead, it is a routine inflation-based adjustment required by law. Still, for employers, HR teams, and applicants relying on faster adjudication, the financial and planning impact is very real. Understanding what is changing and how to respond will help you avoid unnecessary delays and budget surprises in 2026.
Navigating the US immigration system has always required more than just legal compliance. It also demands careful timing and realistic budget planning.
This blog will help you understand what this fee hike means and what are its implications.
What the Fee Increase Really Means?
The fee hike applies to Form I-907, the request used to upgrade certain immigration filings to premium processing. Under the USCIS Stabilization Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is authorized to adjust premium processing fees every two years based on inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index.
Starting March 1, 2026, any Form I-907 postmarked on or after that date must include the new fee amount. Filings with outdated fees will be rejected.
It is also important to remember what premium processing does and does not do. It remains an optional service that guarantees faster adjudication, usually within 15 to 45 days, depending on the case type. It does not improve the quality of a petition or increase approval chances. The legal standard stays exactly the same.
Who Is Affected, and How Much the Fees Changed?
The 2026 increase is expected to impact many commonly used employment-based and student-related filings. If you plan to file on or after March 1, make sure your checks reflect the updated amounts below:
| Form & Classification | Current Fee | New Fee (Effective March 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 (H-2B and R-1) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| Form I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3, etc.) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-140 (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, including NIW) | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-539 (Change/Extension of Status for F, J, M) | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765 (Employment Authorization for OPT/STEM-OPT) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
These amounts are in addition to standard filing fees. Even a small miscalculation can lead to rejections, which may cause serious delays in work authorization, travel plans, or start dates.
Why USCIS Is Raising Fees?
USCIS has stated that the increase reflects inflation between June 2023 and June 2025. By statute, the agency must preserve the real value of premium processing revenue so it can continue delivering expedited services.
According to USCIS, the additional funds will help to:
- Maintain and improve premium processing service levels
- Expand adjudication capacity to address backlogs
- Support broader immigration and naturalization operations
Because the adjustment is tied to inflation, USCIS positions this hike as a maintenance measure rather than a deterrent to filings.
Strategic Implications for Employers and Applicants
While the increase may seem modest on a per-case basis, it has meaningful planning implications.
For Employers and HR Teams
Companies should immediately factor the higher fees into 2026 immigration budgets. For organizations that regularly file H-1B, L-1, or I-140 petitions, the cumulative increase can add up quickly. This is a good time to reassess internal policies and determine which cases truly require premium processing, versus those that can move forward under standard timelines.
For Applicants and Students
For international students filing OPT or STEM-OPT applications, the added cost is not insignificant. Speed can be valuable, but it comes at a price. Since premium processing guarantees only a faster decision, not an approval, it is especially important to ensure the application is strong before paying for expedited service.
Conclusion: Planning for a Smoother 2026
For individual applicants and international students, the 2026 fee increase is a reminder that speed comes at a premium. Paying more does not improve approval odds, only decision timelines. Carefully evaluating whether expedited processing is truly necessary and ensuring the petition is well-prepared before filing can help applicants avoid unnecessary expenses while still meeting important academic or employment deadlines.
If you’re planning petitions or advising global talent teams in 2026, now is the time to reassess premium processing strategies. Reach out to EB1A Experts for guidance on optimizing your immigration workflows under the new fee regime.
If you’re filing an EB1A, I-140, H-1B, OPT/STEM OPT, or change of status in 2026 and want to avoid costly delays, reach out to EB1A Experts for a case review and premium processing strategy – so you can file with confidence, the right fees, and the right timeline.