USCIS Announces Increase to Premium Processing Fees effective March 1
Introduction
On Jan. 12, 2026, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule that will increase the filing fee on Form I-907 Premium Processing effective March 1, 2026. USCIS states that the increase is a necessary adjustment to reflect inflation.
USCIS offers Premium Processing, or expediting processing, as an optional add-on for certain immigration case filings, including Forms I-129, I-140, I-765, and I-539.
Premium Processing fees are paid directly to USCIS and are in addition to the base filing fee associated with each form. Any petitions with premium processing postmarked at USCIS after March 1, 2026, must have the new fee. All fees and processing timelines associated with the premium service are managed directly by the agency.
New fee outline
- UIC departments filing Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (e.g. H-1B) or Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers will see the Form I-907 Premium Processing fee associated with these cases increase from $2,805 to $2,965 (increase of $160). Since premium processing is an optional, add-on fee that passes directly to USCIS, OIS processing fees will not change at this time. The myOIS request forms will be updated to reflect the $2,965 Premium Processing fee.
- UIC students and alumni eligible to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for pre-completion, post-completion, or STEM OPT will see the Form I-907 Premium Processing fee associated with these cases increase from $1,685 to $1,780 (increase of $95). Again, this is an optional add-on fee for expedited processing. The standard USCIS fee to file Form I-765 for F-1 Optional Practical Training is $470 when applying online and $520 when applying by mail.
- Individuals eligible to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for certain classifications, including F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2, will see the Form I-907 Premium Processing fee associated with these cases increase from $1,965 to $2,075 (increase of $110).
The Office of International Services is committed to fostering a supportive environment for international students, scholars, and employees at UIC. If you have a question or concern, connect with an OIS Advisor or email OIS at ois@uic.edu. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please note that the information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.