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USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fee to $2,965
What premium processing does (and doesn’t) cover, H-1B premium fees over time.
If you rely on premium processing, there’s a small but official price update to note.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in the Premium Processing fee, raising it from $2,805 to $2,965. The new fee takes effect on March 1, 2026, a $160 increase over the current amount. Any premium processing request postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, should include the updated fee.
Premium Processing guarantees speed, not approval.
TL;DR
What Premium Processing Does (and Doesn’t)
Premium Processing is USCIS’s expedited service for certain immigration filings, including H-1B petitions.
By filing Form I-907, petitioners can request faster action - typically within 15 to 45 days, depending on the form and classification. It’s fast, but not magical.
That said, premium processing isn’t immune to reality. USCIS may temporarily suspend the service if operational constraints prevent the agency from meeting expedited timeframes for a significant number of requests.
👉 Speed ≠ outcome, but it does reduce uncertainty.
Why Does the Fee Keep Increasing?
Premium processing fees are reviewed every two years under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to adjust fees based on inflation.
According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
“DHS is now increasing its premium processing fees based on the rate of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025, consistent with its statutory authority.”
Which Form Is Used for Premium Processing?
To request premium processing, petitioners should file Form I-907, typically alongside or after Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker).
Filing Form I-907 with the correct fee guarantees USCIS will take action - approval, denial, or request for evidence - within the designated expedited timeframe.
What Can and Cannot Be Expedited
USCIS allows Premium Processing for many (but not all) H-1B - related filings when Form I-907 is properly filed with the required fee. USCIS may suspend or delay Premium Processing if it cannot meet expedited timelines for a significant number of requests.
✅ H-1B Cases That Can Be Expedited
- New H-1B petitions (cap-subject or cap-exempt)
- H-1B extensions of stay
- H-1B amendments (job duties, salary, location changes)
- H-1B change of employer (“transfer”)
- Concurrent H-1B employment
- Combined amendment + extension filings
- Cap-exempt H-1B petitions (universities, nonprofit and government research entities)
❌ Not Eligible for Premium Processing
- Visa stamping at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- USCIS security or background checks
- Requests outside Form I-129 eligibility
- Situations where USCIS has temporarily suspended Premium Processing
- Processing delays caused by RFEs that require third-party documentation
📈 Premium Processing Fee History (H-1B Focus)
Here’s how the fee has evolved over time - fee changes by Federal Register effective date:
| Period (Effective Dates) | Premium Processing Fee (H-1B I-129) |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2001 - October 18, 2020 | $1,000 → $1,410 (various adjustments) |
| October 19, 2020 - February 25, 2024 | $2,500 |
| February 26, 2024 - February 29, 2026 | $2,805 |
| March 1, 2026 - Present | $2,965 |
Earlier premium processing fee adjustments occurred over multiple years but are not evenly annual. This table reflects periods with clearly documented Federal Register effective dates for H-1B petitions.
Premium processing has steadily risen to preserve its real dollar value. Many USCIS fee changes take effect on October 1, which marks the start of the U.S. federal fiscal year. While premium processing fees are adjusted based on inflation under statutory authority, their implementation often coincides with fiscal-year cycles for budgeting and administrative consistency.
📌 Bottom Line
Premium Processing can speed up most H-1B lifecycle events - from transfers to extensions to amendments, but availability depends on USCIS policy at the time of filing. If timing matters, always confirm current eligibility and suspension notices before filing Form I-907. If fast decisions are critical to your case, plan ahead - and budget accordingly.
Premium Processing availability and eligibility may change based on USCIS workload, policy updates, or temporary suspensions. It is always a good idea to consult a qualified immigration attorney to confirm eligibility, timing, and strategy before filing.