NewsGlobalUS Increases Premium Processing Fees for H-1B and Other Visa Categories from March 2026US Increases Premium Processing Fees for H-1B and Other Visa Categories from March 2026
USCIS announced premium processing fee increases effective March 1, 2026, across multiple visa categories including H-1B, L-1, and student visas. The changes, reflecting June 2023 to June 2025 inflation levels, will particularly impact Indian professionals and companies who constitute a significant portion of these applications. Revenue from the increases will fund service improvements and address processing backlogs.
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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant increases in premium processing fees across multiple visa categories, with changes taking effect March 1, 2026. These adjustments apply exclusively to applicants and employers who opt for expedited processing services and reflect the agency's biennial fee adjustment authority.
Regulatory Framework and Justification
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates under authority established by the USCIS Stabilization Act to adjust premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation. The latest increase reflects inflation levels recorded from June 2023 to June 2025. According to USCIS, "Fees will continue to be adjusted agencywide to account for inflation and protect the real dollar value of the premium processing service we provide."
Detailed Fee Structure Changes
The fee increases vary across different visa categories and forms, with substantial adjustments for employment-based applications:
| Form Type | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 (H-2B, R-1) | $1,685.00 | $1,780.00 | $95.00 |
| I-129 (H-1B, L-1, others) | $2,805.00 | $2,965.00 | $160.00 |
| I-140 (Employment-based) | $2,805.00 | $2,965.00 | $160.00 |
| I-539 (F-1, J-1, M-1 status) | $1,965.00 | $2,075.00 | $110.00 |
| I-765 (OPT, STEM-OPT) | $1,685.00 | $1,780.00 | $95.00 |
The most significant impact affects Form I-129 petitions for H-1B, L-1A, L-1B, E-1, E-2, E-3, O-1, P-1, and other professional worker categories, where fees increase by $160.00. Form I-140 immigrant petitions for employment-based categories including E11, E12, E13, E21, E31, E32, and EW3 classifications will see identical increases.
Impact on Indian Professionals and Students
The changes are expected to significantly affect Indian professionals, students, and companies, who represent a substantial portion of H-1B, L-1, and similar visa applications. Student-related applications will also experience cost increases, with Form I-539 applications for F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2 status extensions rising to $2,075.00. Additionally, Form I-765 applications covering Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM-OPT classifications will increase to $1,780.00.
Premium Processing Service Details
Premium processing remains entirely voluntary and is primarily utilized by companies and applicants requiring expedited adjudication timelines. Common reasons for premium processing include job changes, visa renewals, travel arrangements, and obtaining status clarity more quickly. The service provides guaranteed processing within specified timeframes, distinguishing it from standard processing procedures.
Revenue Utilization and Service Improvements
USCIS has outlined specific uses for the additional revenue generated by these fee increases. According to the agency statement, funds will be allocated 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 revenue structure aims to enhance overall service delivery while maintaining the expedited processing option for applicants willing to pay premium rates.
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