USCIS raises fees again: premium processing for the Green Card now costs more

USCIS raises premium processing fees again

Impact on employers

More expensive premium processing

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has once again adjusted the fees for one of the most widely used services by companies and foreign professionals: premium processing.

As of March 1, 2026, new costs came into effect for those seeking to speed up the review of certain immigration applications, especially those related to employment.

The measure mainly affects U.S. companies that rely on international talent and foreign workers who need a quick response to continue their immigration process.

Although the service remains optional, the increase raises concerns among applicants who already face long wait times within the U.S. immigration system.

USCIS raises premium processing fees again

USCIS premium processing fees increase again-Photo: Shutterstock

Premium processing is a tool that allows applicants to receive an expedited response for certain petitions submitted to USCIS.

This service has become a key alternative for those who cannot wait for regular processing times, which in many cases can take several months or even more than a year.

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With the adjustment announced by the agency, applicants will have to pay more if they wish to use this fast-track option to obtain an immigration decision.

The new fee structure applies to several employment-related petitions, meaning thousands of processes could be affected.

Important changes for Green Card applications

One of the most significant increases was recorded in Form I-140, used in employment-based permanent residence applications.

This document is essential for highly skilled professionals seeking to obtain a Green Card through their work in the United States.

With the new fees, premium processing for this form increased from $2,805 to $2,965.

The fee applies to widely used categories such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3, which include researchers, executives, specialists, and other workers with advanced skills.

Impact on US work visas for professionals

Photo: Infographic created via ChatGPT – USCIS premium processing fees increase again

The increase also applies to temporary work visa applications processed through Form I-129.

This form is used by U.S. companies seeking to hire foreign workers under different immigration programs.

Among the most well-known cases are H-1B visas, used by highly skilled professionals, and L-1 visas for intra-company transfers.

In both cases, those requesting premium processing must now pay $2,965 to speed up the USCIS response.

Other programs will also see adjustments

The fee changes are not limited only to specialized professionals or permanent residence applications.

Programs aimed at temporary workers will also see increases in the cost of priority processing.

Petitions for H-2B visa workers and religious workers under the R-1 visa are increasing from $1,685 to $1,780.

Although the difference may seem small, the impact adds up when companies must submit multiple petitions to meet labor needs.

USCIS aims to reduce delays

According to the immigration agency, the new costs respond to the need to strengthen resources and improve the system’s operational capacity.

In recent years, USCIS has faced a significant increase in the number of applications and a backlog of pending cases.

This situation has led to prolonged delays that affect both companies and foreign workers awaiting a resolution.

The agency maintains that the adjustments will allow investment in infrastructure, personnel, and technology to speed up application processing.

A key detail for applicants

USCIS also issued an important warning for those planning to use the premium processing service.

Applications submitted with the previous fees will be automatically rejected.

This means that any payment error could further delay a process that, in many cases, is urgent to maintain or begin employment in the United States.

For companies and foreign workers, the increase represents a new expense within an immigration system that already involves high costs and significant wait times, according to La Opinión.