USCIS Hikes H1-B, Green Card, OPT Fees: America Dream Gets Costlier for Indians

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an increase in premium processing fees for various immigration benefits.
• New rates take effect on March 1, 2026, impacting H1B, L1, Green Card, OPT, and other visa categories.
• Fees for H1B, L1, O1, TN, and Form I-129 categories rise from $2,805 to $2,965; employment-based Green Card (Form I-140) also increases to $2,965.
• Student-related fees for F1, J1, M1 status (Form I-539) increase to $2,075, and OPT/STEM OPT work permits (Form I-765) to $1,780.
• The fee hike, based on inflation adjustments, aims to improve immigration services, clear backlogs, and strengthen naturalization services.

Why It Matters: America becomes more expensive for Indian professionals and students as USCIS raises premium processing fees.