The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in premium processing fees for employment-based visas and green card applications in the US. The fee hike will take effect on March 1, 2026, and applies to several commonly used forms. This adjustment follows routine inflation updates.
Premium processing is an optional service in the US that allows applicants to receive faster case decisions. Typically, cases are processed within 15 to 30 calendar days depending on the form. However, expedited processing does not guarantee approval of the visa or green card.
The new premium processing fees are as follows:
- Form I-140 (Employment-Based Green Card): $2,965, up $160
- Form I-129 (Most Work Visas like H-1B and L-1): $2,965, up $160
- Form I-129 (H-2B and R-1 visas): $1,780, up $95
- Form I-539 (Change or Extension of Status): $2,075, up $110
- Form I-765 (F-1 OPT Work Authorization): $1,780, up $95
These increased fees apply to applications postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
The fee increase will affect international students applying for OPT work permits in the US, as well as employers filing multiple H-1B or green card petitions. Applicants who want faster processing may still find premium processing worthwhile. Those not in a hurry can continue with standard processing at current fees.
USCIS has advised applicants to file before March 1, 2026, to lock in the current rates. It is also important to check postmark dates and confirm fee amounts with employers or immigration attorneys. Premium processing remains one of the fastest ways to expedite work visa or green card applications in the US.
USCIS reviews premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation. While the service itself remains unchanged, applicants should prepare for the upcoming fee increase to avoid unexpected costs.
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This update reinforces the need for applicants and employers to plan ahead when seeking employment-based visas or green cards in the US.
