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USCIS Final Rule Raises Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026

The inflation-based adjustment is intended to fund adjudication upgrades, backlog response, and naturalization services.

Overview

  • Department of Homeland Security finalized an inflation adjustment covering June 2023 through June 2025 for premium processing charges.
  • Most Form I-129 and all Form I-140 premium processing fees will rise to $2,965, Form I-539 to $2,075, and Form I-765 (OPT/STEM-OPT) to $1,780, with H-2B and R-1 set at $1,780.
  • The new amounts apply only to Form I-907 requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
  • USCIS says the additional revenue will support expedited services, improve adjudication processes, address processing backlogs, and sustain naturalization work.
  • Attorneys advise submitting premium processing requests before March 1 to retain current rates, with higher costs expected for international students, skilled workers, and U.S. employers.