USA – A vital update has been issued for all Albanians currently in the immigration or family reunification process in the United States. As of March 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new rules and fee adjustments that directly impact your wallet and the processing speed of your documents.
If you are preparing a file for family sponsorship, a work permit, or are a student awaiting OPT, this information is critical: Any error in the payment amount will lead to the immediate rejection and return of your entire application!
What exactly changed in March 2026?
The primary focus of this update is “Premium Processing” (expedited service). To keep up with inflation, USCIS has increased costs for anyone seeking a response within days. Additionally, costs have been updated for Work Permits (EAD) for asylum seekers and temporary protected status categories.
Fee Schedule: Here is what you must pay today!
| Document / Service | Official 2026 Fee |
| Family Petition (I-130) | $625 (Online) / $675 (By Mail) |
| Green Card Application (I-485) | $1,440 |
| Work Permit (I-765) – For Asylum Seekers | $560 |
| Work Permit (I-765) – Filed with Green Card | $260 |
| Travel Document (I-131 – Advance Parole) | $630 |
| Green Card Immigrant Fee (Coming from abroad) | $235 |
For “Premium Processing” (Expedited 15-45 day response):
- Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1): $2,965
- Student Work Permits (OPT): $1,780
New Conditions You Must Know:
Beyond the price hike, USCIS has set strict conditions for accepting filings:
- Form Edition: You must use the latest version of Form I-907 (dated 03/01/26) and other updated forms available on the official website.
- Postmark Date: If your application is postmarked on or after March 1 with the old fee, it will be rejected immediately.
- Payment Method: USCIS is strongly encouraging online filings by offering lower fees (a $50 discount) compared to paper filings sent by mail.
Don’t let your application be rejected due to a fee error!
Photo: Archive / USCIS.
