The United States will increase premium processing fees for several work and immigration visas from 1 March 2026, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The higher fees apply to foreign professionals, including Indians, students and employers using premium processing for visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, investor visas, employment-based green cards and work authorisation applications.
WHY ARE FEES RISING?
The USCIS said the increase reflects inflation between June 2023 and June 2025 and will help fund agency operations.
In a statement, the agency said the additional revenue would support faster processing, reduce backlogs and improve adjudication services.
WHAT DOES PREMIUM PROCESSING MEAN?
Premium processing allows applicants to receive faster decisions on visa and immigration filings in exchange for an additional fee. It is commonly used by employers hiring foreign workers and by students seeking work permits.
- New premium processing fees (from March 1).
- Employment-based petitions.
- H-2B or R-1 (Form I-129): $1,685 → $1,780.
- H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, TN (Form I-129): $2,805 → $2,965.
- I-140 immigrant petitions: $2,805 → $2,965.
- Status extensions and work permits.
- I-539 (F, J, M visas): $1,965 → $2,075.
- I-765 (work authorisation, including OPT/STEM-OPT): $1,685 → $1,780.
Applicants who file premium processing requests before March 1 can pay the current fees. Those filing on or after that date must pay the higher rates.
WHAT H-1B VISAS COST NOW
Before the increase, H-1B visa fees typically ranged from $2,000 to $5,000. The program allows US employers to hire foreign workers with specialised training, particularly in technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare. It offers 65,000 visas annually, plus 20,000 for advanced-degree holders.
Under US President Donald Trump, the administration has defended higher visa fees and tighter rules, arguing that the programme has been misused to replace American workers.
Separately, business and research groups are challenging a $100,000 H-1B fee introduced by the Trump administration. According to Reuters, a US appeals court has fast-tracked the case, with arguments expected in February.
The US Chamber of Commerce said the timing is critical. “Employers’ ability to participate in the H-1B programme this year hinges on the outcome of this appeal,” it said.
CHANGES TO THE H-1B LOTTERY
The Department of Homeland Security is also replacing the random H-1B lottery with a system that prioritises higher-paid and higher-skilled workers. The new system is due to take effect on February 27.
IMPACT ON WORKERS AND STUDENTS
- The fee increase is expected to raise costs for:
- Employers filing multiple visa petitions
- Foreign professionals seeking faster job changes or extensions
- International students relying on OPT and STEM-OPT work permits
Immigration experts say applicants will need to weigh the higher cost against the need for quicker decisions, as overall immigration expenses in the US continue to rise.