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Effective March 1, 2026, USCIS increased the Premium Processing fee for most Form I-129 and I-140 employment-based petitions from $2,805 to $2,965 — a 5.7% increase. While the increase may appear modest, strategic use of Premium Processing can significantly impact workforce continuity, onboarding timelines, and corporate immigration compliance.
Premium Processing allows employers to request expedited adjudication of key work visa and green card filings with decisions issued from 15 to 45 calendar days depending on the classification. Examples of Eligible Petitions Include:
Why This Matters for HR & Employers For companies sponsoring foreign national employees, Premium Processing helps:
Gilani Law Firm supports employers, HR teams, and in-house counsel with strategic business immigration solutions including H-1B sponsorship, L-1A/L-1B visa strategy, I-140 filings, and corporate immigration compliance planning. Knowing when and how to use Premium Processing effectively, whether to protect timelines or control costs, is why companies partner with our business immigration team. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period will run from March 4, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET) through March 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET). Employers seeking to sponsor foreign professionals for an H-1B visa in 2026 must complete the mandatory electronic registration during this limited window.
H-1B Registration Requirements To enter the H-1B lottery 2026, employers must:
Important Changes for FY 2027 This year’s process is expected to prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid candidates, and certain petitioners may face an additional $100,000 fee under a Presidential Proclamation. With evolving regulations and a short registration window, early preparation is critical. At Gilani Law Firm, we assist employers with H-1B cap strategy, registration compliance, and petition preparation to reduce risk and maximize readiness. Schedule a consultation with us today. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-cap-initial-registration- period-opens-on-march-4 |
AuthorGilani Law Firm Archives
February 2026
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