Client Portal (615) 340-5000

PPS increase

January 12, 2026

USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increases Effective March 1, 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a final rule increasing premium processing fees, effective March 1, 2026. 

Below is a summary of the key fee increases:

Form I-129 – H-2B or R-1

  • Previous Fee: $1,685
  • New Fee (effective March 1, 2026): $1,780

Form I-129 – All Other Eligible Nonimmigrant Classifications, including:
H-1B, L-1A/L-1B, E-1/E-2/E-3, O-1/O-2, TN, P, Q, and others

  • Previous Fee: $2,805
  • New Fee: $2,965

Form I-140 – Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
(All eligible employment-based classifications, including EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-3)

  • Previous Fee: $2,805
  • New Fee: $2,965

Form I-539 – Extension or Change of Status
(F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, M-1/M-2)

  • Previous Fee: $1,965
  • New Fee: $2,075

Form I-765 – Employment Authorization
(OPT and STEM OPT only)

  • Previous Fee: $1,685
  • New Fee: $1,780

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

For employers, especially those filing H-1B, L-1, O-1, or PERM-based I-140 petitions, these fee increases may impact budgeting and workforce planning for 2026 and beyond. For students and professionals relying on OPT/STEM OPT or change-of-status filings, understanding the timing of filings could make a financial difference.

Whenever possible, filing before March 1, 2026, may allow eligible applicants to take advantage of the current lower premium processing fees.

How We Can Help

Navigating USCIS filing strategies—especially when fees, processing times, and eligibility rules are evolving—can be complex. Our business immigration team regularly advises employers, entrepreneurs, and professionals on:

  • Whether premium processing is advisable for a particular case
  • Strategic timing of filings to manage costs
  • Compliance with USCIS filing and fee requirements

If you have questions about how these premium processing fee increases may affect your case or your workforce, we encourage you to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

For personalized guidance, contact our office to schedule a consultation.