Just announced in early 2026, USCIS will increase premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, as part of an inflation-based adjustment.

Updated premium processing fees include:

Form I-129 and Form I-140: $2,965
Form I-539: $2,075
Form I-765: $1,780

Any premium processing request filed on or after March 1, 2026 must include the updated fee, or it will be rejected. Employers and applicants relying on expedited adjudication should factor these higher costs into 2026 immigration budgets and filing timelines.

H-1B Cap Selection Changes and Early Planning

As we step into 2026, one of the most consequential immigration developments announced in 2025 is the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule restructuring the H-1B cap selection process. This change provides important context for employers and foreign professionals as planning shifts toward 2026 and the upcoming FY 2027 cap season.

H-1B Cap Selection Changes for FY 2027

DHS has finalized a rule replacing the traditional random H-1B lottery with a weighted selection model beginning with the FY 2027 registration cycle. The statutory cap remains unchanged at 65,000 regular H-1B visas plus 20,000 reserved for U.S. advanced degree holders. What changes is how registrations are selected.

Under the new framework, H-1B registrations will receive varying levels of weighting based on the Department of Labor prevailing wage level associated with the offered position. All wage levels remain eligible for selection under the cap.

How the Weighted Selection Is Structured

Registrations will be entered into the selection pool as follows:

Level 4 (Expert): Four entries
Level 3 (Fully Competent): Three entries
Level 2 (Qualified): Two entries
Level 1 (Entry Level): One entry

The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to registrations submitted for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season. This timing allows employers and professionals to assess role structure, wage alignment, and registration details well in advance.

Why This Matters Going Into 2026

Although the H-1B lottery remains in place, selection will no longer be driven purely by chance. The shift to a weighted model reflects a broader policy emphasis on aligning H-1B selection with wage level and role characteristics rather than treating all registrations equally.

At the same time, increased filing and processing fees reinforce the need for early planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Many organizations are beginning to view H-1B planning as part of a longer-term workforce strategy rather than a once-a-year exercise.

Looking Ahead

These changes represent some of the most significant updates to the H-1B program in years. While the selection mechanism and costs are evolving, the program itself remains intact, and statutory visa numbers remain unchanged.

Every case is different, and immigration agencies continue to review applications based on individual facts. As 2026 begins, careful planning, attention to timing, and cost awareness remain critical for both employers and foreign professionals.