On October 1, 2018 the premium processing fee for all Forms I-129 (Non-Immigrant Worker) and Forms I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) will be raised from $1,225 to $1,410.  USCIS announced this almost 15% increase on August 31, 2018.

According to USCIS, this is the first adjustment in premium processing fees since 2010.  The agency noted that there has been a significant increase in demand for premium processing and that this has hindered its ability to process all petitions and applications.  It appears that USCIS believes that the increase in fees may reduce the demand.  Moreover, the agency notes the increase in fees will allow it to make needed investments in staff and technology.

While raising the fees USCIS is continuing and expanding its suspension of premium processing for most H-1B petitions into 2019. This expansion of the suspension is also meant to provide better service overall by allowing USCIS to catch up on its backlog.