Overview
- A DHS final rule published Jan. 9 raises USCIS premium processing fees, with new rates required for Form I-907 requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
- Key changes include Form I-129 (most classifications) and Form I-140 rising from $2,805 to $2,965, Form I-129 (H-2B/R-1) and Form I-765 rising from $1,685 to $1,780, and Form I-539 rising from $1,965 to $2,075.
- USCIS cites authority under the USCIS Stabilization Act to adjust premium fees biennially based on inflation measured from June 2023 through June 2025.
- The agency says additional revenue will support premium processing delivery, improvements to adjudication, responses to processing backlogs, and funding for adjudication and naturalization services.
- The increase affects many work and student filings such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, P categories, F/J/M status changes, and OPT/STEM-OPT; premium processing remains optional and generally yields action within roughly 15 to 45 business days.