The United States Department of Homeland Security has rolled out a fresh rule that changes premium processing fees for immigration services. These new fees will take effect from March 1, 2026. The adjustment comes as a direct response to inflation measured between June 2023 and June 2025.
What Premium Processing Means for Students
Premium processing offers an optional service for certain applicants. It allows them to pay an extra fee in exchange for faster review of their applications. This service does not guarantee approval. However, it requires USCIS to provide a decision or request for evidence within a set timeframe, usually 15 calendar days.
International students and recent graduates often rely on this service. They use it to shorten waiting times for critical authorizations like work permits under OPT. The premium processing request requires Form I-907, filed alongside the primary application form with all necessary fees.
New Fee Structure for Student Filings
The updated premium processing fees that will impact student-related forms starting March 1, 2026, are detailed below:
- Form I-539: Used to extend or change nonimmigrant status, including F-1 and F-2 categories. The fee rises from $1,965 to $2,075.
- Form I-765: Used for employment authorization, covering Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT. The fee increases from $1,685 to $1,780.
USCIS will reject any premium processing requests that do not include the correct fee amount for filings postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
Who Faces the Impact
For students in the United States on F-1 visas, two forms are most commonly associated with premium processing:
- Form I-539: Students use this to apply for an extension of their F-1 status or to change to another nonimmigrant category. Premium processing speeds up the USCIS decision on status adjustments.
- Form I-765: F-1 students submit this when applying for OPT or STEM OPT extensions. Premium processing can accelerate the employment authorization decision, which is crucial for graduates with job offers tied to specific start dates.
It is important to note that premium processing may only be requested if USCIS has announced eligibility for the specific benefit. Not all I-765 categories remain continuously eligible, but OPT and STEM OPT have been made eligible under earlier guidance.
Practical Implications for Students
The fee increases mean that students and recent graduates opting for premium processing will encounter higher costs for expedited service beginning March 1, 2026. This change does not alter the underlying eligibility criteria for OPT, STEM OPT, or status extensions. However, it raises the cost of securing faster decisions.
Students and advisors may need to incorporate these higher costs into their planning and budgeting for applications submitted after the compliance date. Even with increased fees, premium processing remains a valuable tool for managing timing risks.
For example, individuals might use it to obtain work authorization ahead of a job's start date or before a status expiration. Prospective applicants should regularly check USCIS announcements on eligibility, as premium processing options for certain forms have expanded over time.
Preparing for the Fee Change
Students and advisors must ensure that any premium processing request submitted on or after March 1, 2026, includes the updated fee amounts. If the premium processing request is filed with an incorrect fee after that date, USCIS will reject Form I-907.
Applications filed before the compliance date may still use the existing lower fees, provided they are postmarked before March 1, 2026. Staying informed and planning ahead can help navigate these changes smoothly.
