US Premium Visa Processing Fees Surge: New Rates for H-1B, F-1, O-1, and More Take Effect
January 12, 2024
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has announced a significant increase in premium processing fees for various visa and immigration applications. This crucial update, effective February 26, 2024, will impact a wide range of applicants, including those seeking H-1B, F-1, and O-1 visas, who opt for expedited service. The move aims to combat inflationary pressures and ensure the agency's ability to provide timely processing services.
**Why the Fee Hike?**
USCIS justifies the fee adjustment by citing the need to keep pace with inflation. According to agency statements, the increase is essential for maintaining efficient processing times and covering operational costs. The agency emphasizes that these inflation adjustments, mandated by law, enable USCIS to recover the full costs of providing premium processing services, ultimately supporting the adjudication of immigration benefits.
**Who Will Be Impacted?**
The fee surge primarily affects individuals and employers who utilize premium processing to fast-track their visa applications and petitions. This includes, but is not limited to, petitions for nonimmigrant workers (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, H-2B), immigrant workers (I-140), and certain student and exchange visitor categories (F-1, J-1). Anyone seeking a quicker decision on their immigration case will face higher costs.
**New Fee Structure Highlights:**
Applicants must be aware of the updated rates to budget accordingly for their US visa applications. The new premium processing fees are as follows:
* **For Form I-129 (Petitions for Nonimmigrant Worker), covering H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, and TN visas:**
* Previous Fee: $2,500
* New Fee: $2,805
This represents a $305 increase for these critical employment-based visas.
* **For Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):**
* Previous Fee: $2,500
* New Fee: $2,805
Immigrant petitions for permanent residency will also see the same hike.
* **For Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT EADs:**
* Previous Fee: $1,500
* New Fee: $1,685
International students on Optional Practical Training programs will need to account for this increased cost for expedited work authorization.
* **For Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), including F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors:**
* Previous Fee: $1,750
* New Fee: $1,965
Those looking to extend their stay or change their nonimmigrant status will also face higher premium processing costs.
**Implications for Applicants and Employers**
This premium visa fee surge adds a significant financial burden for individuals and companies requiring urgent processing of their immigration petitions. For employers sponsoring foreign talent and international students navigating their post-study options, the higher costs for expedited services will necessitate revised budgeting and financial planning. While standard processing fees remain unchanged by this particular announcement, the option for quicker adjudication now comes at a steeper price.
USCIS assures the public that it is committed to delivering efficient and secure services, even as it navigates economic challenges. Applicants are strongly advised to check the official USCIS website for the most current fee information and to prepare for these new rates taking effect on February 26, 2024. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone planning to submit a US visa or immigration application that requires premium processing.
