On December 27, 2023, USCIS announced it will increase the premium processing government fee to $2,805. Currently, the premium processing fee is $2,500, so it is an increase of $305.

The new fee will go into effect Monday, February 26, 2024. This means that all requests for premium processing postmarked on or after this date must include the new fee of $2,805.

Premium processing provides faster processing for certain types of nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, including H-1B, TN, O-1, and I-140 petitions with USCIS. More information about which types of requests qualify for premium processing can be found on USCIS’s website.

Typically, the time period for processing under premium processing is 15 calendar days, although it can also be 30 calendar days and 45 calendar days for some types of requests.

It is important to keep in mind that premium processing does not mean automatic approval of the request within the relevant time period. Rather, USCIS may potentially take any one of the following actions: approval, request for evidence, notice of intent to deny, denial, or open an investigation. Despite this, premium processing continues to be a very important tool for workforce, employment, and budget planning for both employers and employees alike.

Additional information can be found on USCIS’s website and in its final rule announcement.