The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will increase premium processing fees starting March 1, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adjusts these fees every two years to account for inflation, as authorized by the USCIS Stabilization Act.

Premium processing allows eligible petitioners and applicants to request faster processing for certain forms by submitting Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, along with the required fee. The updated fees for common applications are as follows:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (most classifications, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-class visas): $2,965 (previously $2,805)
• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (employment-based classifications): $2,965 (previously $2,805)
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (OPT and STEM OPT): $1,780 (previously $1,685)
• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (F, J, M visas): $2,075 (previously $1,965)
• Form I-129 for H-2B and R-1 nonimmigrant status: $1,780 (previously $1,685)

Applicants and employers planning to use premium processing should ensure that submissions after March 1, 2026, include the updated fee. Premium processing is a valuable option for those seeking faster adjudication, particularly in high-demand visa categories where standard processing times can be lengthy.

Benefits of Premium Processing:

• USCIS guarantees a decision or response within 15 business days for most cases.
• If a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is issued, USCIS will respond within 15 business days from the date they receive your response.
• Email receipts and status notifications provide prompt updates, which contrasts with standard processing where receipt confirmation may take weeks and decisions may take several months.

To request premium processing, applicants must submit Form I-907 with the updated fee. For assistance with premium processing or any USCIS application, call our office at 703-348-1663.

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