USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Adjustments

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase in USCIS premium processing fees, including fees that impact F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents. The adjustments account for inflation between June 2023 and June 2025 and are authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which permits fee updates every two years.

Effective Date: The new fee schedule begins on March 1, 2026.

• Postmarked before March 1: You may pay the current, lower rate.
• Postmarked on or after March 1: You must include the updated fee amount, or your application will be rejected.

Revised Premium Processing Fees

Form I-539 – Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status
(For F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 applicants)

• Current fee: $1,965
• New fee: $2,075

Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
(For OPT and STEM OPT applicants)

• Current fee: $1,685
• New fee: $1,780

Additional Information

Premium processing remains optional and is available only for specific benefit types designated by USCIS. To request premium processing, applicants must submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and follow all USCIS filing instructions.

According to USCIS, the additional revenue generated from these fee increases will support premium processing operations, help reduce case backlogs, and enhance overall adjudication systems.

Students considering premium processing are encouraged to review their timelines carefully and ensure they submit the correct fee based on their filing date.