U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in fees for its premium processing service, which will take effect on March 1, 2026. Premium processing is an optional service that allows petitioners to pay an additional fee to have their case processed within an expedited timeframe. The fee increase is intended to account for inflation and will be used to improve adjudication processes and reduce backlogs. The new fees will apply to various forms, including Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) and Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). For example, the premium processing fee for most I-129 classifications, including H-1B and L-1 visas, will increase from $2,805 to $2,965. It is important for petitioners who plan to use the premium processing service to be aware of these new fees to avoid their requests being rejected for incorrect payment. The revenue generated from these higher fees is intended to improve the overall efficiency of USCIS, which could benefit all applicants in the long run.
USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase for 2026
USCIS is increasing the fees for its premium processing service, effective March 1, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The cost of premium processing will increase for many common immigration forms.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone planning to file for immigration benefits with premium processing on or after March 1, 2026.
- Timeline for Action: The new fees are effective for any premium processing request postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
- Next Steps: If you plan to request premium processing, ensure you submit the correct new fee to avoid rejection of your request. Check the USCIS website for the updated fee for your specific form.
Source: Uscis.gov