US Visa Premium Processing Fees Soar: Major Impact on Indians from March 1, 2026

• USCIS announced a hike in premium processing fees for various visa categories, effective March 1, 2026.
• The increase is attributed to inflation between June 2023 and June 2025, impacting employment-based non-immigrant visas and Green Card applications.
• H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, TN visa premium processing fees rise from $2,805 to $2,965; H-2B and R-1 from $1,685 to $1,780.
• F-1, J-1, M-1 student visa extensions and OPT/STEM-OPT employment authorization fees also see increases.
• The fee hike aims to improve service efficiency, reduce backlogs, and will disproportionately affect Indians due to their high representation in these visa categories.

Why It Matters: USCIS is increasing premium processing fees from March 2026, significantly impacting Indian visa applicants.