Heads up! The cost of getting your immigration applications processed faster is about to go up. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing a new rule that will increase the fees for premium processing services offered by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This change is designed to account for inflation, ensuring USCIS can continue to provide efficient services.
This adjustment is a direct result of the USCIS Stabilization Act, which grants DHS the authority to review and adjust premium processing fees every two years to keep pace with inflation. The aim? To maintain the real value of the premium processing service and ensure that the agency can continue to operate effectively.
But here's where it gets controversial... The revenue generated from these increased fees will be channeled into several key areas. These include enhancing premium processing services, streamlining adjudication processes, tackling existing backlogs, and supporting overall USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.
Mark your calendars: This rule officially goes into effect on March 1, 2026. If you're planning to submit a request for premium processing on or after this date, make sure to include the new fee amount for the specific benefit you're requesting.
To request premium processing, you'll need to submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and follow the instructions provided.
Here's a breakdown of the fee changes:
| Form | Previous Fee | New Fee |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | -------- |
| Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, all other available Form I-129 classifications: E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, TN-2 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, employment-based classifications: E11, E12, E13, E21 (NIW and non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting: F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2 | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for certain eligible applications (OPT and STEM-OPT Classifications) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
And this is the part most people miss... You can only request premium processing for a benefit if it is officially available for that benefit. Keep an eye on the USCIS website for updates on which forms are eligible for premium processing.
What do you think about these fee increases? Do you believe the additional revenue will significantly improve USCIS processing times and services? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
