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USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a final rule increasing premium processing fees to account for inflation, pursuant to authority under the USCIS Stabilization Act. The new fees take effect March 1, 2026.
Any Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the updated fee amount. Full details, including the updated fee schedule by form type, are available directly on the USCIS website at the following link.
New Presidential Proclamation Restricts Entry from Additional Countries
On December 16, 2025, the President issued Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, expanding and modifying U.S. entry restrictions on foreign nationals from countries deemed to present heightened national security, public safety, documentation, and visa overstay risks. The proclamation continues full entry suspensions for nationals of 12 previously designated countries, and adds full suspensions for additional countries including Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority issued documents, and expands partial suspensions of numerous other countries. The restrictions apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, subject to limited case-by-case national interest exceptions, while preserving eligibility to seek asylum, refugee protection, and related humanitarian relief under U.S. law.
U.S. Expands Visa Bond Policy to Additional Countries Impacting B-1/B-2 Applicants
In early January 2026, the U.S. government expanded its visa bond pilot program to include additional countries, increasing the number of B-1/B-2 (visitor for business or pleasure) visa applicants who may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as part of the visa issuance process. The bond determination is made at the consular interview and is based on various eligibility and compliance factors, including visa overstay data. The expanded program is being implemented on a rolling basis through January 21, 2026, and introduces additional procedural steps for some individuals seeking to travel temporarily to the United States.
The official Department of State list of countries subject to visa bond requirements is available at the following link.
At Brown Immigration Law, we are committed to keeping you informed of the latest developments and providing expert legal guidance during this uncertain time. If you or a loved one is impacted by these changes, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your options and protect your rights. Stay connected with us for timely updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance.
