US Visa Fee Hike: H-1B, Green Card, OPT Applicants Face Higher Costs from March 2026

• USCIS announced a hike in premium processing fees for various immigration benefits, effective March 1, 2026.
• The fee increase impacts H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN visas, employment-based Green Cards, and OPT/STEM-OPT work permits.
• Fees for H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN visas and I-140 Green Card petitions will rise from $2,805 to $2,965.
• OPT and STEM-OPT work permit fees will increase from $1,685 to $1,780; F-1, J-1, M-1 extensions from $1,965 to $2,075.
• The hike aims to cover inflation, strengthen USCIS operations, and address processing backlogs, significantly impacting Indian applicants.

Why It Matters: USCIS is increasing premium processing fees for various visas and Green Cards, impacting many, especially Indians.