US Hikes Premium Visa Processing Fee Amid Inflation: Check New Rates for H-1B, F-1, O-1 Applications

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased premium visa processing fees for various nonimmigrant categories, including H-1B, F-1, and O-1, in response to inflation. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the fee hike is in line with the 'USCIS Stabilization Act,' which allows for biennial adjustments to account for inflation. The new fees will be used to fund premium processing services, improve adjudication processes, and address backlogs. The fee increase will take effect on March 1, 2026, and applicants must pay the updated fee for premium processing, which can be done using Form I-907. The expedited processing service allows for faster processing of forms such as I-129, I-140, and I-539, with typical adjudication times ranging from 15 to 45 business days. Here are the new premium processing costs for USCIS visas: - For Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): $2,495 - For Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): $2,495 - For Form I-140 (E21) National Interest Waivers: $2,495 - For Form I-140 (E13) Multinational Leaders and Managers: $2,495 - For Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status): $2,495 - For Form I-765: $2,495 The USCIS will continue to adjust fees biennially to protect the real dollar value of premium processing services and address inflation. The revenue generated from the fee increase will be used to support adjudication and naturalization services, as well as address backlogs and improve adjudication processes.