USCIS Hikes Premium Processing Fees for H-1B, Other Visas Effective March 2026

• USCIS will increase premium processing fees for various visa categories, including H-1B, H-2B, R-1, and employment-based immigrant petitions.
• The fee adjustments are effective March 1, 2026, and apply to applicants and employers opting for expedited processing.
• H-1B premium processing fees will rise from $2,805 to $2,965, while H-2B/R-1 fees increase from $1,685 to $1,780.
• Fees for F-1, J-1, M-1 student applications (Form I-539) will go from $1,965 to $2,075, and OPT/STEM-OPT (Form I-765) from $1,685 to $1,780.
• These increases, authorized by the DHS every two years to account for inflation, will fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.

Why It Matters: USCIS is raising premium processing fees for various visas, including H-1B, effective March 2026.