US hikes premium processing fees for H-1B visa, E-1, E-2 and other categories — Check new fees, implementation date

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an increase in premium processing fees for several visas, including the H-1B visa. The hike will apply only to applicants who opt for faster processing, while the standard visa filing fee remains unchanged.

According to USCIS, the changes will take effect on 1 March, 2026. It will affect key employment-based and non-immigrant filings which are widely used by foreign professionals, including Indian nationals working or studying in the United States.