USCIS increases fees for visa extensions and student work authorisation

Effective from February 26th, USCIS has increased premium processing fees for certain forms, including the Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, which can be used by students in the F, M and J categories. The premium fee has increased from US$1,750 to US$1,965.

The premium processing fee for the Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, which is required for F-1 students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) has increased to US$1,685 from the previous rate of US$1,500.

In a statement, USCIS said that the USCIS Stabilization Act established the previous fees and the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to adjust the premium fees on a biennial basis, and that it was now adjusting the premium fees to reflect inflation after leaving them unchanged for three years.

The Department of Homeland Security said the revenue generated by premium processing fees are used to provide premium services, make improvements to processes and reduce backlogs.

Meanwhile, USCIS has published a Final Rule that will increase the standard processing fees for the same forms, effective from April 1st, 2024.

The I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status will increase from the current fee of US$370 to US$470 (paper filed) or US$420 (electronically filed).

Meanwhile, the I-765 Application for Employment Authorization will increase from the current fee of US$410 to US$520 (paper) or US$470 (electronic).