For the first time since 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services overhauled its filing fees. The final rule published 31 Jan 2024 took effect on 1 Apr 2024 and remains the governing schedule for 2025. Here’s how it hits F-1, F-2 and early-career H-1B hopefuls. Federal Register
1. Quick-view fee table (old vs new)
| Form & purpose | Old fee (pre-Apr 2024) | New fee (Apr 2024 → 2025) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-765 — Work card (OPT, STEM OPT) | $410 | $470 (online or paper) | +15 % |
| I-539 — Extend/Change status (F-1 → F-2, etc.) | $370 + $85 biometrics | $470 paper $420 online | +27 % / +14 % |
| I-907 — Premium Processing (OPT, H-1B) | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,685–$2,805 (inflation adj. 26 Feb 2024) | +12 % |
USCIS also eliminated the $85 biometrics fee for most I-539 categories, so the net jump for online filers is $35, not $135. Federal RegisterUSCIS
2. Effective dates & grace periods
| Event | Date | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Final fee rule published | 31 Jan 2024 | All forms except premium processing |
| New fees in force | 1 Apr 2024 (post-mark date) | I-765, I-539, most others |
| Premium-processing fee hike | 26 Feb 2024 | I-907 for OPT, H-1B, I-140 |
USCIS rejects packages post-marked after 1 Apr 2024 that carry the wrong fee—even if they arrive with the right form edition. Use the Fee Calculator to double-check. USCIS
3. How to pay (and avoid rejections)
- Online filings (myUSCIS) accept ACH debit/credit card—payment auto-populates the new amount.
- Paper filings must include a separate check or money order for each form (no combined check).
- Staple the check to the front page of the form; write the form number and SEVIS ID in the memo line.
- For premium upgrades, file Form I-907 online—it’s faster and USCIS instantly issues the receipt that starts the 30-business-day clock.
4. Cost-saving tactics for students
- File I-539 online where possible: the $50 discount plus no biometrics equals a $135 saving versus the old regime.
- Batch dependants—one I-539 can include F-2 spouse and children, so you pay one fee, not several.
- Premium only if ROI makes sense: delaying a $70 k job by 3 weeks costs ~$4 k in lost wages—worth the $1,685 fee; but if you still have 90 days of OPT left, standard processing may suffice.
5. What your employer should know (H-1B angle)
| Item | New fee | Old fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B base filing (I-129) | $780 | $460 | +70 % (not incl. ACWIA/Fraud fees) |
| H-1B registration | $10 (unchanged) – but DHS proposed $215; still pending. | $10 | Watch Federal Register. |
Premium processing for H-1B petitions now costs $2,805; employers can recover it from employees only if it is requested for the employee’s convenience. USCISUSCIS
Frequently asked questions
Does biometrics still apply to I-539 for F-1/F-2?
No. The 2024 rule removed the biometrics fee except for certain asylum/R-1 categories, saving most students $85. Federal Register
Can I pay with multiple personal cards?
Online—yes (split payment). Paper—no; write one check or money order per form.
What if I mailed the old fee before April 1 2024 but it arrived after?
USCIS uses the post-mark date. If mailed on or before 31 Mar 2024 it will be accepted.
Will fees go up again in 2026?
USCIS commits to biennial CPI-based reviews, so expect another modest hike by 2026.
References (curated by usaadmission.com)
- Federal Register – “USCIS Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Fees” (31 Jan 2024). Federal Register
- USCIS – “Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule” (Apr 2025 update). USCIS
- USCIS – G-1055 Fee Schedule (Edition 04/15/25). USCIS
- USCIS – “Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees Takes Effect Today” (26 Feb 2024). USCIS
- Federal Register Correction – I-539 Online Fee $420 (21 Mar 2024). Federal Register
- USCIS Outreach Slides – 2024 Final Fee Rule Highlights. USCIS
All links direct to official USCIS.gov or FederalRegister.gov pages for authoritative compliance.