The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a 12% increase in the premium processing fee for H-1B visa applications. Starting February 26 next year, the new fee will be $2,805, up from the current $2,500. This fee adjustment also applies to other forms, such as I-129 (petition for a nonimmigrant worker), I-140, I-539, and I-765.
The change, in accordance with the USCIS Stabilization Act, specifically impacts H-1B visa applications filed under form I-129. The fee hike is intended to cover inflation from June 2021 to June 2023, supporting premium processing services, improving adjudication responses, and sustaining various USCIS services. Future biennial increases in USCIS premium processing fees are expected. Below is a breakdown of the updated fees for different classifications:
- H-1B (Form I-129): $2,805
- L1 (Form I-129, including intercompany transfer visas and other classifications): Subject to increase
These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance USCIS services.
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