What is USCIS Immigrant Fee?
The USCIS Immigrant Fee, also known as the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, is a mandatory fee that certain immigrants must pay before they can receive their lawful permanent resident (LPR) cards, also known as green cards (Form I-551), after being approved for immigrant visas.
Here are some key points about the USCIS Immigrant Fee:
- Amount: The current fee is $220.
- Purpose: The fee is designed to cover the cost of processing and producing the immigrant’s green card.
- Who Pays: Individuals who are immigrating to the United States as lawful permanent residents and who receive an immigrant visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad are required to pay this fee.
- Timing: The fee is typically paid online to USCIS after the immigrant visa is issued but before the individual travels to the United States. It is an essential step in the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
- Payment Method: The fee must be paid online using a credit card or a U.S. bank account. It’s crucial to follow the payment instructions provided by USCIS to ensure timely processing.
- Consequences of Non-payment: Failure to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee can result in delays in receiving the green card upon arrival in the United States. It’s essential to pay the fee as instructed to avoid such delays.
The USCIS Immigrant Fee is one of several fees associated with the U.S. immigration process. It is separate from the visa application fees paid to the U.S. Department of State for processing the immigrant visa application.
Who needs to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
You must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee if you received the visa packet from the consulate or embassy where your immigrant visa was approved. Adjustment of Status applicants do not need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, the green card production is covered by the Form I-485 filing fee.
How much is the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
The current USCIS Immigrant Fee is $220. To check the latest USCIS Immigrant Fee, visit the USCIS website.
Who is exempt from paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
The following individuals are are exempt from paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee:
- Children who enter the United States under either the Orphan or Hague adoption programs;
- Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants;
- Returning residents (SB-1s); and
- Individuals who are issued K visas.
How can I pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
To complete the USCIS Immigrant Fee payment, you will need to have the following documents available:
- Immigrant Data Summary Sheet, or
- USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout and immigrant visa.
Step-by-step instructions on paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee:
Step 1: Go to the USCIS Immigrant Fee page.
Step 2: Enter your A number. Your A number can be found on your immigrant data summary, USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, or immigrant visa in your passport. On a visa page, your A-Number is listed under “Registration Number”. A number is 8 or 9 digits long. Example: A201-768-129.
Enter your DOS Case ID. It can be found on your immigrant data summary, USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, or immigrant visa in your passport. DOS Case ID starts with 3 letters followed by 9 or 10 numbers. Example: WRW20918621341.
Step 3: Once you have entered your information, select “Next.”
Step 4: Add additional immigrants to your payment (optional). When you are finished, select “Continue.”
Step 5: Review your payment. Provide and confirm your email address. When finished select “Proceed to Payment.”
Step 6: Select a payment method. You will be directed to Pay.gov, a payment portal managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You can pay the fee with:
- valid credit card,
- debit card, or
- electronic checking or savings (ACH) payment from a U.S. bank account.
Choose your payment method and then select “Continue.” Any person can pay the fee (immigrant, petitioner or any other individual).
Step 7: Save the confirmation of your payment. Save a copy of the payment confirmation page for your records.
Step 8. We strongly recommend you to create an online USCIS account that will allow you to check the status of your green card online, change your mailing address and receive notifications with status updates. You will need to have the following documents available to create an online USCIS account: your passport with a stamped visa and your visa application.
Where will my green card be mailed?
After you pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, USCIS will produce your green card and mail it to the U.S. address you indicated on your Form DS-260 online application. If your mailing address changes, you will need to change your mailing address online in your USCIS online account (recommended option). If you do not have an USCIS online account, you can also change the address on the USCIS website.
How long will it take to receive my green card?
According to official USCIS information, it can take up to 90 days to receive your green card after paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee or entering the U.S. (whichever date is later). If more than 90 days passed and you haven’t received your green card, you can submit an online inquiry with USCIS.
