New USCIS Fee Hikes 2026: HR 1 Reconciliation Bill Codifies Immigration Fee Changes

The U.S. government has issued an interim final rule that formally codifies new USCIS immigration fees and related procedural provisions stemming from the HR 1 Reconciliation Bill, also known as the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' This rule carries the force of law and takes effect without a standard notice-and-comment period, signaling the urgency with which the administration is implementing these fiscal changes. For EB-3 applicants and employers, the fee changes are consequential. Filing fees for key petitions—including I-140 immigrant worker petitions, I-485 adjustment of status applications, and associated biometrics and work authorization filings—are expected to increase substantially. Employers sponsoring foreign workers under the EB-3 category should review updated USCIS fee schedules immediately and budget accordingly for pending or upcoming filings. The rule also introduces related administrative provisions that may affect processing procedures, premium processing eligibility, and documentation requirements. Legal practitioners and HR teams at companies with active EB-3 sponsorship pipelines are advised to consult the full text of the interim final rule to understand all compliance obligations. Applicants who have cases in progress should confirm with their immigration attorneys whether any filings submitted before the effective date are grandfathered under the old fee structure, or whether supplemental fees may be required. Timing of submissions relative to the rule's effective date will be critical in minimizing additional costs. This development is part of a broader legislative effort under HR 1 to restructure immigration-related revenue and enforce stricter fiscal accountability within USCIS operations. EB-3 stakeholders—both employers and employees—should monitor official USCIS announcements and consult qualified immigration counsel to stay compliant with the evolving fee structure.