The United States Department of Homeland Security is set to increase premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment, influenced by inflation between June 2023 and June 2025, affects various forms used by international students and recent graduates.
Overview of Premium Processing for F-1 Visa Holders
Premium processing allows applicants to expedite the review of their applications by paying an additional fee. Although it does not guarantee approval, it ensures a response from the USCIS within approximately 15 calendar days.
The fee changes significantly impact the following forms:
- Form I-539: Used to extend or change nonimmigrant status.
- Form I-765: Used for employment authorization, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT.
New Fee Structure Effective March 1, 2026
The upcoming fee revisions for student-related filings are as follows:
| Form | Primary Purpose | Current Premium Fee | New Premium Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-539 | Extend/change nonimmigrant status (F-1, F-2) | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765 | Employment authorization (OPT, STEM OPT) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
Importantly, USCIS will reject any premium processing requests if the correct fee is not included for applications postmarked on or after the effective date.
Impact on International Students
F-1 visa holders utilizing premium processing will face increased costs when seeking expedited service. However, the eligibility criteria for programs such as OPT and STEM OPT remain unchanged despite these new fees.
Students and graduates should factor these increased expenses into their application planning and budgeting. Even with the fee increase, premium processing serves as a valuable option for managing time-sensitive situations, such as obtaining work authorization before starting a job.
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Ensure that premium processing requests submitted on or after March 1, 2026, include updated fee amounts.
- Requests filed with incorrect fees will be rejected by USCIS.
- Applications postmarked before the deadline can still utilize the lower existing fees.
International students are encouraged to monitor USCIS announcements regarding eligibility for premium processing of specific forms, as this information can change annually.
