USCIS Confirms Increase in Immigration Fees Starting March 2026

Immigration Fees Increase

Work Permits Affected

Takes Effect in 2026

The cost of several immigration benefits in the United States will increase starting in March 2026. The new fees will affect common applications and certain work permits.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued an official notice this Friday, according to El Nuevo Heraldo.

The announcement confirms that the increase was approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

New USCIS Fees Will Take Effect in 2026

https://t.co/M0MqwId81O USCIS will apply new fees for premium processing starting in March 2026. pic.twitter.com/vpN6OS1TA8

— El Comercio (@elcomerciocom) January 10, 2026

The measure was formalized through a “final rule” published by DHS. USCIS will be the agency responsible for applying the new fees.

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According to the statement, the adjustment responds to accumulated inflation. The period considered runs from June 2023 to June 2025.

The changes impact specific benefits administered by USCIS. Among them, premium processing of immigration applications stands out.

Paying More to Speed Up Processing

Get ready to pay more to USCIS in March: The price of this key immigration benefit skyrockets https://t.co/Vog1gwrcau

— el Nuevo Herald (@elnuevoherald) January 10, 2026

Premium processing allows applicants to receive faster decisions. To do so, they must pay an additional fee.

This service is available only for certain immigration procedures in the United States. Expedited processing is requested using Form I-907.

DHS established that fees for this service will increase periodically. The authority is based on the USCIS Stabilization Act.

That law allows costs to be adjusted every two years. The primary criterion is the recorded level of inflation.

USCIS explained that these fee increases will not be exceptional. Fees will continue to be adjusted across the agency.

The stated goal is to protect the real value of the service. It also aims to maintain the operational capacity of premium processing.

The agency detailed how the additional revenue will be used. It will go toward improving adjudication processes.

It will also help address accumulated demand. This includes existing backlogs in case processing.

In addition, the funds will support adjudication and naturalization services. USCIS said these adjustments are necessary to sustain operations.

When Do USCIS Fees Increase?

USCIS fee increase 2026 confirmed – Photo Shutterstock

The new rule will take effect on March 1, 2026. As of that date, the new amounts will apply.

USCIS warned about the postmark requirement. The mailing date will be decisive for determining the applicable fee.

Applications postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new corresponding fee.

This applies even if the process began earlier. The determining factor will be the date the application is sent.

The agency recommended carefully reviewing current costs. This is especially important for those planning to use premium processing.

Failure to submit the correct amount may delay the application. USCIS reminded applicants that incorrect payment can result in rejections.

Affected Forms and New Prices

Premium processing will remain available for specific immigration forms for a fee. Among them is Form I-129.

This form corresponds to the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. It includes various employment classifications.

It also applies to Form I-140. This is the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.

Certain classifications of Form I-765 will be included. These are applications for employment authorization.

Some classifications of Form I-539 will also be eligible. This form is used to extend or change status.

For Form I-129 for H-2B or R-1. The fee increases from $1,685 to $1,780.

For other I-129 classifications. The cost rises from $2,805 to $2,965.

The same increase applies to Form I-140. Employment-based categories will see that adjustment.

Form I-539 will also increase in price. It rises from $1,965 to $2,075 in specific categories.

Finally, eligible Form I-765 filings increase. The fee rises from $1,685 to $1,780 for OPT and STEM OPT.

USCIS reiterated that these changes reflect accumulated inflation and confirmed that they will take effect in March 2026, solidifying the USCIS fee increase 2026.