News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase to USCIS premium processing fees, including fees that affect F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents. These changes reflect inflation from June 2023 through June 2025 and are authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which allows fee adjustments every two years.

The updated fees took effect on March 1, 2026. Any premium processing request postmarked after March 1, 2026 must include the new fee amount. Requests submitted before this date may use the former fees.

• Form I-539 – Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status
  • For F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 applicants
  • Previous fee: $1,965
  • New fee: $2,075
• Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
  • For Post-OPT and STEM OPT applications
  • Previous fee: $1,685
  • New fee: $1,780

1. Premium processing is optional and only available for certain benefits that USCIS has specifically designated as eligible.
2. To request premium processing, applicants must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and follow all USCIS instructions.
3. USCIS states that revenue from these fee increases will support premium processing services, reduce processing backlogs, and improve adjudication systems overall.

Students considering premium processing should review timelines carefully and plan ahead to ensure the correct fee is submitted based on their filing date.