USCIS announces fiscal year 2027 fee increases for some immigration filings effective Oct. 16, 2026; court postpones student rule
Key points
- H.R.-1 related immigration fees rise modestly for inflation, effective October 16, 2026.
- Requests postmarked on or after October 16 without the correct fee will be rejected.
- A Massachusetts federal court on September 14 postponed the fixed admission period rule for students and exchange visitors and preliminarily enjoined DHS from implementing it.
USCIS announced on September 30, 2026 that certain H.R.-1 immigration fees will rise for fiscal year 2027 to account for inflation, effective October 16, 2026. Requests postmarked on or after that date without the correct fee will be rejected. Separately, a Massachusetts federal court on September 14 postponed the effective date of a final rule on fixed admission periods for students and exchange visitors, preliminarily enjoining DHS from implementing it. For reference only; not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Check the current fee schedule before mailing filings postmarked on or after October 16, 2026.
- Monitor further developments on the fixed admission period rule for students and exchange visitors.
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- Enjoined by court
- Effective date
- 2026-10-16
- Employers covered
- EAD applicants and related employers
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: USCIS (.gov) ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.