Washington DC | Global Immigration News
The United States government has announced a revision in premium processing fees for several visa categories, including the widely used H-1B work visa, making fast-track processing significantly more expensive from March 1, 2026. The change will impact thousands of international professionals, particularly Indian IT and tech workers, who rely heavily on expedited visa approvals.
Premium processing is an optional service offered by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that guarantees faster adjudication—typically within 15 calendar days—for employment-based visa petitions. Under the revised fee structure, the cost of premium processing for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other employment-linked visas will increase, reflecting inflation adjustments mandated under US law.
According to USCIS, the fee revision is part of a broader effort to modernise immigration services, enhance operational capacity, and reduce long-standing application backlogs. While standard processing timelines and fees remain unchanged, employers opting for expedited review will need to budget higher costs for hiring and onboarding global talent.
For Indian professionals—who form the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries—the hike could affect job timelines, employer sponsorship decisions, and mobility planning. Startups and mid-sized US firms that depend on international talent may also reassess their hiring strategies due to rising compliance and visa-processing expenses.
Immigration experts advise applicants and employers to file petitions before the March 1 deadline to avoid higher charges and to closely monitor USCIS notifications for category-wise updated rates. The development underscores the growing cost of international mobility amid tightening immigration frameworks worldwide.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees, and processing timelines are subject to change by US authorities. Applicants and employers are advised to verify the latest updates directly on the official USCIS website or consult a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.
