(UNITED STATES) — Form I-907, request for premium processing service is the uscis form you file to ask for faster adjudication of certain eligible immigration benefits, including F-1 OPT work permits and several employment-based petitions.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, a uscis and dhs final rule appeared in the Federal Register confirming an inflation-based increase to premium processing fees. The new premium processing fees apply to Form I-907 requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
The adjustment is required by the uscis stabilization act and uses CPI-U inflation data for June 2023 through June 2025. Premium processing is optional. It does not replace eligibility rules or the underlying filing.
Overview: Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026
USCIS announced a biennial, inflation-based update to premium processing fees. The change takes effect March 1, 2026 for postmarked requests to maintain the “real dollar value” of expedited processing.
This matters most for F-1 students filing premium processing for OPT and STEM OPT, and for employers filing premium processing for Form I-129 and Form I-140 cases.
💰 Premium Processing Fee Change: New fees apply to Form I-907 requests postmarked on/after March 1, 2026. Using the old fee risks rejection.
Official Statements and Legal Basis
DHS announced the final rule on January 9, 2026. It was published on January 12, 2026 in the Federal Register. USCIS stated the fee adjustment protects the real dollar value of the premium processing service.
USCIS also stated the added revenue will fund premium processing and support agency operations, including improving adjudication and responding to backlogs. This authority comes from the USCIS Stabilization Act, which requires periodic inflation adjustments.
Form Guide: Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
Who needs to file Form I-907
You file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service if you want USCIS to process an eligible underlying petition or application faster. Common situations include:
- An F-1 student filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for OPT or STEM OPT and requesting premium processing
- A dependent spouse or student filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for certain classifications and requesting premium processing
- An employer filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and requesting premium processing
- A company or worker filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers and requesting premium processing
Premium processing is requested by filing Form I-907. In many categories, USCIS permits filing it together with the underlying form or after filing.
Quick reference box (Form I-907)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Form number | Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service |
| Purpose | Request expedited processing for an eligible USCIS filing |
| Current fee | Varies by underlying form and category (see fee table below). Fees listed are premium-only amounts as of January 2026 |
| Where to file | Depends on the underlying filing and category. Follow the filing address in the underlying form instructions and Form I-907 instructions |
| Processing time | Premium processing provides a faster USCIS action timeframe set by the program. Check category details on USCIS Form I-907 page. Standard processing estimates are at USCIS processing times (as of January 2026) |
⏱️ Processing Time: USCIS standard processing times are estimates. They vary by form, category, and service center. Check USCIS processing times (as of January 2026).
New Premium Processing Fees by Form (Effective March 1, 2026)
These amounts are for premium processing service only. You must also pay the base filing fee for the underlying form. Verify totals at USCIS fees before you file.
Students and exchange visitors (Form I-539 and Form I-765)
| Underlying form | Who commonly uses it | Premium processing fee (current) | Premium processing fee (new, March 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status** | F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2 change/extension requests (where eligible) | **$1,965** | **$2,075** |
| **Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization** | **OPT** and **STEM OPT** employment authorization | **$1,685** | **$1,780** |
For OPT applicants, this premium increase is about $95. It is separate from the Form I-765 base fee.
Other Significant Fee Increases (Employment-Based Petitions)
| Underlying form | Common categories | Premium processing fee (current) | Premium processing fee (new, March 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker** | H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN | **$2,805** | **$2,965** |
| **Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers** | Employment-based green card petitions | **$2,805** | **$2,965** |
| **Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker** | H-2B, R-1 | **$1,685** | **$1,780** |
Eligibility requirements (what must be true before you file Form I-907)
USCIS will accept Form I-907 only if your underlying filing is eligible for premium processing. Eligibility depends on the form type and category.
In general, you must meet all of these:
- You are filing an eligible underlying form and category
- You submit a properly completed Form I-907
- You pay the correct premium processing fee for that category
- You file Form I-907 at the correct address or with the correct receipt number, if filing later
Students should also confirm that your underlying OPT or STEM OPT filing is timely and your documents match your I-20 recommendation and SEVIS record.
Employers should also confirm the worker qualifies for the requested classification and the petition package is complete, including any labor condition or support documents.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Paying the pre-increase amount for a request postmarked on/after March 1, 2026 can cause rejection. USCIS returns the fee.
Step-by-step: How to file Form I-907 correctly
- Confirm premium processing is available for your category. Start at USCIS Form I-907 page and confirm the underlying form and classification.
- Decide whether to file Form I-907 together or after. Many categories allow concurrent filing. Some allow “upgrade” after filing.
- Complete the underlying form first. Examples include Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for OPT or Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker for H-1B.
- Complete Form I-907 carefully. Match names, dates of birth, and A-Number or I-94 details to the underlying form.
- Calculate total fees. Add the underlying filing fee plus the premium processing fee. Verify at USCIS fees. Fees change periodically.
- Assemble a single, organized filing packet. Use a cover letter listing contents and fees. Separate sections with tabs.
- Mail to the correct address with tracking. The correct address depends on the underlying form and category. Use the addresses in the official instructions.
- Track the case in your USCIS account. Create or sign in at myUSCIS for case updates.
Required supporting documents (what to include)
Your exact documents depend on the underlying form. Form I-907 is never filed alone in most first-time requests. Include the following as applicable.
Always include for Form I-907
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Form I-907 signed** | Yes | Use the current edition from uscis.gov |
| Premium processing fee payment | Yes | Must match the correct category and effective date |
| Copy of underlying receipt notice | If filing after | Include Form I-797 receipt, if upgrading |
| Government-issued ID copy | Often helpful | Especially when filing by paper |
If requesting premium processing for OPT or STEM OPT (Form I-765)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Form I-765 signed** | Yes | File the correct eligibility category for OPT or STEM OPT |
| Form I-20 with OPT/STEM recommendation | Yes | Must be properly endorsed |
| Passport biographic page | Yes | Include expiration date page |
| F-1 visa page (if any) | If available | Not required if visa is expired, but include if you have it |
| Form I-94 record | Yes | Must match your current status |
| Prior EAD cards | If any | Front and back copies |
| Photos (if required by filing method) | If applicable | Follow I-765 photo requirements |
| Form I-907 fee payment | Yes | Separate from the base Form I-765 fee |
If requesting premium processing for Form I-539
Include documents showing current status and identity, eligibility for the requested change or extension, and any required school or program documents for F or M filings.
If requesting premium processing for Form I-129 or Form I-140
Include a complete petition with all supporting evidence, proof of eligibility for the classification or immigrant category, and required employer attestations and support letters.
Policy details and compliance rules that matter
Effective date rule: The new premium processing fees apply to Form I-907 postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
Wrong fee outcome: USCIS may reject the request if it is postmarked on or after the effective date and includes the old fee. USCIS returns the filing fee.
Inflation methodology: The change is based on CPI-U inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. Plan ahead: if you want the earlier pricing, aim to file with a postmark before March 1, 2026.
Common mistakes that delay premium processing requests
- Using the wrong premium processing fee for your category. This is common near March 1, 2026.
- Paying only the premium fee and forgetting the underlying form fee.
- Mismatched names or identifiers between Form I-907 and the underlying form.
- Mailing to the wrong lockbox or service center address.
- Missing OPT evidence, especially an incorrect or outdated I-20 for Form I-765 filings.
- Assuming premium processing guarantees approval. It only speeds up USCIS action.
Impact and planning for students and employers
For F-1 students, the premium processing fee increase raises the cost of fast OPT decisions by about $100. That can matter when start dates are close. Students should also consider EAD delivery time.
For employers, the higher cost affects hiring timelines and budgets. This is especially true for H-1B cap planning and time-sensitive transfers. Many companies will file before March 1, 2026 when possible.
USCIS has stated the added revenue supports staffing and technology and work on backlogs, which can help overall processing even for non-premium cases.
Official government sources
– Form I-907 page (Premium Processing Service): USCIS Form I-907 page
– USCIS Newsroom: USCIS Newsroom
Download the current edition of Form I-907 from USCIS Form I-907 page. Confirm your category’s premium eligibility and filing address in the form instructions. Verify your total fees, including the underlying filing, at USCIS fees.
If you plan to lock in current rates, mail Form I-907 early enough to get a pre–March 1, 2026 postmark.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at USCIS forms. Check processing times at USCIS processing times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at USCIS.
USCIS is raising premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026. This biennial adjustment is based on CPI-U inflation data. The increase affects students filing for OPT and employers filing for H-1B or L-1 status. For students, the fee rises to $1,780, while common employment petitions increase to $2,965. Filing with the old fee after the deadline will result in the rejection of the request.
