Timing is everything in the immigration world. If you're an employer trying to onboard a critical software engineer or a foreign national waiting on a visa to start your dream job, the standard USCIS waiting game feels like an eternity. That’s why the fee for premium processing H1B exists. It’s basically a "fast pass" for the Department of Homeland Security.
But things just got more expensive.
On March 1, 2026, the cost of this service jumped again. It’s part of a mandated biennial adjustment to keep up with inflation. Honestly, if you haven’t checked the fee schedule in the last few months, you’re probably looking at outdated numbers.
The New Math: What Does It Cost Now?
Let's get straight to the point. As of March 1, 2026, the fee for premium processing H1B is $2,965.
This is a $160 increase from the previous $2,805 price tag. It might not seem like a massive jump in the context of legal fees and relocation costs, but for a small business or a startup, every dollar counts. USCIS uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) to calculate these hikes. Basically, if bread and gas go up, so does your H1B filing fee.
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It isn't just the H1B, either. If you’re dealing with other visa types, here’s the quick breakdown of what you’re looking at:
- H-2B or R-1 status: $1,780
- F, J, or M status (Form I-539): $2,075
- Employment Authorization (EAD) for OPT/STEM OPT: $1,780
The $2,965 price applies to the most common nonimmigrant worker petitions, including E-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, P, and TN visas. If you send a check for the old amount after the March 1st deadline, USCIS won't just ask for the difference. They’ll reject the whole thing. They are very strict about this.
Is the 15-Day Guarantee Still Real?
Sorta. People often think "15 days" means they'll have the visa in their hand. That’s not quite how it works.
USCIS guarantees they will take "initial action" within 15 business days. Business days are the key here—weekends and federal holidays don't count. If they hit a snag, they might issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). If that happens, the 15-day clock stops. Once you respond to that RFE, the clock starts over.
So, what do you actually get for your $2,965?
- An approval. (The best-case scenario).
- A denial. (At least you know where you stand).
- An RFE. (More work, but a fast response).
- An investigation for fraud. (Rare, but it happens).
If they don’t meet that deadline? They’re supposed to refund the fee. But here’s the kicker: they will still process the case under the expedited timeline even if they have to give your money back.
Who Actually Reaches Into Their Pocket?
This is where things get a bit "gray" for some people, though the law is fairly clear. Generally, the employer is expected to pay the H1B costs. It’s considered a business expense.
However, Department of Labor (DOL) rules allow the employee to pay the fee for premium processing H1B under very specific conditions. If the employee is the one who needs the speed for personal reasons—like needing an approval notice to travel for a family wedding or to renew a driver's license—they can legally pay the fee.
But be careful. If the employer forces the employee to pay for the company's benefit (like needing the person to start work immediately), that’s a big no-no. It can be seen as an illegal deduction from the worker’s required wage. If you're a worker and your boss is making you pay this just so you can start on Monday, you might want to chat with an immigration attorney.
Why the Price Hike Matters in 2026
The USCIS Stabilization Act is what allows these changes. Every two years, they look at the economy and adjust. The goal is to use this extra cash to hire more officers and tackle the massive backlogs that have plagued the system since the pandemic era.
There's also a new "weighted selection" rule for the FY 2027 cap season that favors higher-paid positions. When you combine that with the nearly $3,000 premium fee, the cost of hiring foreign talent is reaching record highs. It’s becoming a "pay to play" environment where only the most well-funded companies can afford to skip the line.
Strategic Moves for Your Filing
Don't just reflexively pay the fee. Think about your timeline.
If you are filing an H1B extension and you still have six months of work authorization left, do you really need to spend $2,965? Probably not. You can work for up to 240 days while an extension is pending thanks to the "240-day rule."
On the flip side, if you're transferring to a new company (H1B Portability), you can technically start working as soon as the new employer files the petition. But many people feel better having the approval in hand before they quit their old job. In that case, the premium fee is essentially "peace of mind" insurance.
Critical Checklist for 2026 Filings:
- Check the Postmark: Ensure your Form I-907 is postmarked correctly. If you're using FedEx or UPS, the date on the label is what USCIS looks at.
- Verify the Version: Make sure you're using the most current version of Form I-907. Using an expired form is an easy way to get a rejection.
- Separate the Checks: It’s a pro tip to write separate checks for the base filing fee and the premium processing fee. If there’s an issue with the premium request, they can reject just that part instead of the whole petition.
- Confirm the Address: Premium processing forms often go to different addresses than standard filings. Double-check the USCIS website for the specific service center address.
The fee for premium processing H1B is a steep price to pay for speed, but in a global economy where talent is the primary currency, many find it's a cost worth bearing. Just make sure you're paying the right amount to the right place.
Your Next Steps
Before you write that check, verify with your HR department or legal counsel whether the filing will be postmarked after the March 1st deadline to ensure the $2,965 amount is utilized. If you are an individual applicant, document in writing that the request for premium processing is for your own personal convenience if you are the one paying the fee. Finally, always keep a copy of the FedEx or UPS tracking number for your I-907 filing; this is your only proof of when the "15-day clock" actually begins.