Effective March 1, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement a new fee structure for the premium processing service administered by Uscis. This decision, outlined in a final rule, results in a fee increase of approximately 5.70% compared to existing rates. The adjustment is tied to the changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from June 2023 to June 2025 and comes as part of the Uscis Stabilization Act, which allows for biennial reviews of fee rates.

The premium processing service allows applicants to obtain faster responses to their immigration applications by paying an additional fee. This expedited service is significant for applicants needing urgent processing, such as those facing time-sensitive situations that might affect their work or residence status in the U.S. By raising the premium processing fees, the DHS aims to align costs with the current economic environment and ensure that Uscis can continue to provide timely processing of applications.

As the changes will not take effect until March 2026, individuals and businesses preparing to file applications under Uscis's premium processing should be aware of the upcoming fee increase and plan accordingly. Understanding these new costs is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring timely decisions regarding immigration statuses, especially as these fees can impact the overall budget for international recruitment and immigration sponsorships.