U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on January 21, 2026, that premium processing fees will increase from $2,805 to $2,965 effective March 1, 2026. This $160 increase applies to most Form I-129 petitions (including H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas) and Form I-140 immigrant petitions (including EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories). For Form I-539 applications (extensions and changes of status for students and exchange visitors), the premium processing fee will increase to $2,075. The fee adjustment is attributed to inflation and represents the latest in a series of USCIS fee increases implemented over the past several years. Premium processing is an optional service that guarantees USCIS will process eligible petitions within 15 calendar days, providing faster decisions for time-sensitive cases. For employers and foreign nationals planning to file petitions or applications, the announcement creates a narrow window to submit under the current fee structure. Any petition or application postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the new higher fee. Immigration attorneys are advising clients with pending cases to consider filing before the February 29, 2026, deadline if premium processing is desired, as this could result in savings of $160 per case. However, filers should ensure their petitions are complete and well-prepared rather than rushing to meet the fee deadline. Source: https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-21/us/uscis-announces-across-the-board-premium-processing-fee-increase-effective-1-march/
USCIS Premium Processing Fees Increase to $2,965 Starting March 2026
USCIS will increase premium processing fees by $160 to $2,965 for most petitions effective March 1, 2026, giving filers a narrow window to submit under current rates.
What This Means for You:
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers sponsoring foreign workers for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visas, as well as individuals seeking employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) who want faster processing.
- Key Impact: Premium processing costs will increase by $160 per petition starting March 1, 2026. This adds to the already substantial costs of immigration petitions.
- Timeline for Action: File by February 29, 2026, to use the current $2,805 fee. Any petition postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, requires the new $2,965 fee.
- Next Steps: If you are planning to file a petition with premium processing, consult with your immigration attorney to determine whether you can prepare and submit a complete, high-quality petition before the February 29 deadline. Do not rush to file an incomplete petition just to save $160—a poorly prepared petition can result in costly delays or denials. For those not ready to file, budget for the higher fee in your immigration planning.
Source: Visahq.com