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Documentation

USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fees to $1,780 (March 2026)

Effective March 1, 2026, USCIS will raise premium processing fees for Form I-907 to combat inflation. This service offers 15-day expedited action for select visa categories like H-1B, L-1, and OPT. Precise fee amounts depend on the postmark date; incorrect payments will lead to application rejection. Users should track their status through my.uscis.gov and respond promptly to any requests for evidence.

Last updated: January 9, 2026 2:54 pm
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📄Key takeawaysVisaVerge.com
  • USCIS will increase premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, to reflect inflation adjustments.
  • Form I-907 allows for expedited adjudication within 15 days for specific employment and student visa categories.
  • Incorrect fee payments based on postmark dates will result in immediate rejection by USCIS lockboxes.

Form I-907, request for premium processing, is the uscis form used to ask for faster processing on certain employment- and student-related filings. You file Form I-907 only when USCIS has announced that premium processing is available for your specific benefit request. In most cases, an employer, petitioner, or applicant files it with, or after, the underlying petition or application.

On January 9, 2026, USCIS announced a final rule that increases premium processing fees. dhs explained the increase reflects inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. The new fees apply to requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.

USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fees to ,780 (March 2026)
USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fees to $1,780 (March 2026)

💰 Current Fee Alert (Effective 03/01/2026): If your Form I-907 is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, it must include the new premium processing fee for your category or USCIS may reject it.


Quick reference: Form I-907 (Premium Processing)

Detail Information
Form number I-907
Form name Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing
Purpose Request faster processing for eligible petitions or applications
Fee Varies by underlying benefit. New fees effective 03/01/2026 (see table below). Fees should be verified at USCIS fee schedule.
Where to file Depends on the underlying filing and category. Follow Form I-907 instructions and the underlying form’s filing address.
Processing time Premium processing has a set USCIS timeframe once accepted. Check eligibility and current details at uscis.gov/i-907. Standard processing times are estimates at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times (as of January 2026).

⏱️ Processing Time Note: Premium processing provides an expedited USCIS action timeframe after acceptance. Standard case times still vary by form, category, and office.


What changed: premium processing fees increase due to inflation

DHS published a final rule increasing premium processing fees to reflect inflation. USCIS stated the USCIS Stabilization Act allows DHS to adjust these fees every two years.

USCIS also stated the added revenue supports:
– Premium processing services.
– Improvements to adjudication processes.
– Backlog response and staffing demands.
– Broader USCIS adjudication and naturalization operations.

New premium processing fees (effective March 1, 2026)

Use this table to confirm the correct premium processing fee for your request. These are the premium processing fees paid with Form I-907, not the base filing fees for the underlying form.

Underlying form/category eligible for premium processing Previous fee New fee (postmarked on/after 03/01/2026)
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (H-2B or R-1) $1,685 $1,780
Form I-129 (all other available classifications, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, E, P, TN) $2,805 $2,965
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (employment-based classifications) $2,805 $2,965
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (F, J, M categories listed by USCIS) $1,965 $2,075
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (certain eligible categories, including OPT and STEM OPT) $1,685 $1,780

⚠️ Common Rejection Trigger: A wrong premium processing fee often causes a lockbox rejection. That can create serious timing problems for work start dates or status expiration.


Eligibility: who can file Form I-907

You can file Form I-907 only when premium processing is available for your specific benefit request. Eligibility depends on the underlying filing.

In general, you may be eligible if:
– You have a pending or new filing where USCIS allows premium processing.
– Your underlying case type is listed as eligible on uscis.gov/i-907.
– You are filing Form I-907 for the correct classification and request type.
– Your underlying filing is properly signed and filed, or will be filed, in the correct place.

Premium processing fee changes (effective 03/01/2026)
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (H-2B or R-1)
Previous fee
$1,685
New fee
$1,780
+$95
Form I-129 (all other available classifications, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, E, P, TN)
Previous fee
$2,805
New fee
$2,965
+$160
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (employment-based classifications)
Previous fee
$2,805
New fee
$2,965
+$160
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (F, J, M categories listed by USCIS)
Previous fee
$1,965
New fee
$2,075
+$110
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (certain eligible categories, including OPT and STEM OPT)
Previous fee
$1,685
New fee
$1,780
+$95

Typical users include:
– Employers filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker for workers in categories like H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and others listed by USCIS.
– Employers filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers in eligible employment-based categories.
– Certain nonimmigrants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status in the covered F, J, and M categories.
– Certain F-1 students filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for OPT or STEM OPT, when USCIS has opened premium processing for the category.


Step-by-step: how to file Form I-907 correctly

1) Confirm your case is eligible for premium processing

  1. Go to uscis.gov/i-907.
  2. Verify the underlying form and classification are currently eligible.
  3. Confirm whether USCIS requires concurrent filing or allows filing after receipt.

2) Decide when to file: concurrent vs. “upgrade”

USCIS rules vary by category.

Common options are:
– File Form I-907 together with the underlying filing.
– File Form I-907 later to upgrade a pending case, using the receipt number.

Timing matters. A rejected I-907 can cause delay and missed deadlines.

⚠️ IMPORTANT

Using the wrong premium processing fee can trigger a rejection. Double-check the postmark date and verify the exact new fee for your underlying form before mailing to USCIS.

3) Complete Form I-907

  1. Download the current edition from uscis.gov/i-907.
  2. Type or print clearly.
  3. Match names and identifiers to the underlying petition or application.
  4. Use the correct classification and receipt number, if upgrading.

4) Pay the correct premium processing fee

  1. Use the correct fee amount for the category.
  2. If filing near March 1, 2026, use the postmark rule.
  3. Follow the form instructions for acceptable payment methods.

USCIS rejects cases with incorrect fees. That can be more damaging than a delay.

5) Mail to the correct address

Form I-907 filing locations vary.

You must use:
– The address listed in the Form I-907 instructions, and
– Any special address instructions for the underlying form type.

If you file to the wrong location, USCIS may reject or reroute the request.

6) Track your case and respond fast if USCIS contacts you

  1. Create or sign in to your USCIS account at my.uscis.gov.
  2. Watch for receipt notices and updates.
  3. Answer any USCIS request quickly, including an RFE.

An RFE can pause progress until USCIS receives your response.

💡 HELPFUL

If upgrading a pending case, decide whether to file I-907 now or wait for a later upgrade. Align with category rules and set a calendar reminder for the March 1, 2026 fee change to avoid delays.


Required supporting documents for Form I-907

Form I-907 is mostly a request and payment vehicle. Your supporting paperwork depends on whether you file it with a new case or to upgrade a pending case.

Use this checklist as a baseline. Always follow your form instructions.

Document Required Notes
Completed and signed Form I-907 Yes Use the correct edition from uscis.gov/i-907
Premium processing fee payment Yes Amount depends on category and postmark date
Copy of underlying filing receipt notice (if upgrading) Often Include Form I-797 receipt number
Cover letter Recommended Identify underlying form, classification, and what you want USCIS to do
Underlying petition or application package (if filing concurrently) If concurrent Includes signatures, base fee, and evidence for the main filing
Proof of eligibility for the underlying benefit If concurrent For example, H-1B, L-1, I-140 evidence, or OPT/STEM OPT documents

For many applicants, the real work is in the underlying filing. Premium processing cannot fix missing eligibility evidence.


Common mistakes that cause delays or rejections

  • Wrong fee, especially around March 1, 2026
    USCIS applies the fee rule by postmark date. If your package is postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must pay the new fee.

  • Requesting premium processing when it is not available
    USCIS only allows premium processing for specific classifications and benefit types. Check uscis.gov/i-907 before you pay.

  • Filing at the wrong address
    USCIS has different addresses by category and delivery method. Use the addresses in the official instructions.

  • Mismatch between I-907 and the underlying filing
    Name, classification, employer name, and receipt number must match. Small errors can cause major confusion.

  • Thinking premium processing avoids RFEs
    Premium processing speeds up USCIS action. It does not change the legal standard. Weak filings still get RFEs or denials.


Where to download the form and verify current rules

  • Form I-907 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-907
  • USCIS fee schedule (verify before filing): https://www.uscis.gov/fees
  • USCIS processing times tool (standard cases): https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ (as of January 2026)

Practical next steps (January 2026)

  1. Confirm your underlying case is eligible for premium processing at uscis.gov/i-907.
  2. If filing near March 1, 2026, use the correct premium processing fee based on the postmark date.
  3. Download and complete Form I-907 from uscis.gov/i-907 and follow the mailing instructions.
  4. Track notices and updates through my.uscis.gov, and respond quickly to any USCIS request.

🔔 REMINDER

Before paying, confirm eligibility on USCIS I-907 and ensure the underlying petition is eligible. Also verify the correct filing address and follow the instructions exactly to prevent delays.

📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.

📖Learn today
Premium Processing
An optional service offered by USCIS that guarantees a faster response time for certain immigration forms in exchange for a higher fee.
Postmark Date
The official date stamped on an envelope by the postal service, used by USCIS to determine which fee schedule applies to a filing.
RFE (Request for Evidence)
A notice sent by USCIS when they require more information to make a decision on a pending application or petition.
Stabilization Act
Legislation that authorizes DHS to adjust premium processing fees every two years based on inflation.

📝This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS has announced a fee hike for premium processing starting March 1, 2026. This adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index, affects various employment and student-related forms. The extra revenue aims to improve processing efficiency and reduce backlogs. Applicants must verify current eligibility and fees on the official USCIS website to prevent filing rejections, especially when upgrading pending cases or filing concurrently.

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Jim Grey
ByJim Grey
Content Analyst
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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