New Delhi. Big news has come for professionals and students preparing to go to America. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in premium processing fees for several immigration benefits. This new rate will be applicable from March 1, 2026 and the new fee will be applicable on requests postmarked on or after this date.
According to USCIS, this increase has been made on the basis of inflation adjustment between June 2023 and June 2025. Under the USCIS Stabilization Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to revise fees every two years. Under this process, premium processing charges have now been increased.
How much did the new fees increase?
For premium processing, the fees for different categories under Form I 907 have been increased. Form I 129 related to H2B and R1 visa will now increase from $1685 to $1780. Fees for H1B, L1, O1, TN and other Form I 129 categories will increase from $2805 to $2965.
The fee for Employment Based Green Card Petition i.e. Form I 140 has also been increased from $2805 to $2965. For students, the fee for Form I 539, under which F1, J1 and M1 status is extended or changed, will increase from $ 1965 to $ 2075. The fee for Form I 765 for OPT and STEM OPT work permits has increased from $1685 to $1780.
Where will the increased fees be used?
USCIS has said that the additional revenue from premium processing will be invested in improving immigration services. This includes improving the adjudication process, clearing processing backlogs, and strengthening naturalization-related services. The agency claims that this will speed up the processing of files and applicants will get more reliable service.
Indian applicants are most affected
The biggest impact of this decision is going to be on Indian professionals and students. Indian applicants are considered to be the largest group in segments like H1B visa, L1 transfer, green card petition and OPT STEM OPT. A large number of people use premium processing for job change, visa extension, travel planning and confirming new joining date.
Now due to increase in fees, direct cost on both employers and students will increase. Especially IT professionals and students passed out from universities will have to spend more in their work permit and visa process.
Application Process
According to USCIS, the new revised fee will have to be submitted along with Form I 907 for premium processing. Fee submission in the correct category will be required as per the form instructions. The old fees will not be valid for any request sent after March 1, 2026.
