USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees

Are you familiar with the recent announcement from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding an increase in premium processing fees? Let's delve into the details of this significant change and how it may impact various stakeholders.

What is Premium Processing?

Premium processing is an optional service provided by USCIS that allows petitioners to expedite the processing of certain employment-based immigration benefit requests. By paying an additional fee, applicants can receive a decision on their case within 15 calendar days.

Why the Fee Increase?

Effective October 19, 2020, USCIS announced an increase in the premium processing fee from $1,440 to $2,500. This 75% increase is intended to help the agency improve adjudications and services provided to applicants. The last time the premium processing fee was raised was in 2010.

Who Will be Affected?

This fee increase will impact employers, foreign workers, and immigration attorneys who utilize the premium processing service for various visa categories, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and EB-1 petitions. The higher fee may lead some applicants to reconsider whether to opt for premium processing or choose the regular processing timeline.

What to Consider?

Employers and applicants should carefully evaluate the urgency of their immigration needs and weigh the benefits of expedited processing against the increased cost. It is essential to factor in the potential impact of delays in the adjudication process on business operations, travel plans, and employment start dates.

How to Prepare?

With the impending fee increase, stakeholders should review their immigration strategies and assess the impact on their timelines and budgets. Employers sponsoring foreign workers should communicate effectively with their legal counsel to determine the best course of action for pending or future immigration filings.

As the USCIS premium processing fee is set to rise, it is crucial for employers and applicants to stay informed about the latest updates and changes in immigration policies. By staying proactive and seeking guidance from immigration experts, stakeholders can navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration with confidence

This rule is effective on March 1, 2026. If you submit a request for premium processing postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees