Introduction
When you receive an immigrant visa through consular processing, the final step before getting your physical Green Card is paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee. This fee helps USCIS cover the cost of producing and mailing your Green Card.
As of 2024/2025, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is $235, and most immigrants must pay it after their visa is approved but before they travel to the United States.
This guide explains who needs to pay, how to pay, when to pay, and what happens after the payment is completed—using simple language that any new immigrant can understand.
What is the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
The USCIS Immigrant Fee is a mandatory fee that immigrants must pay so USCIS can:
- Process your immigrant visa packet from the consulate
- Create your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Print and mail the physical Green Card to your U.S. address
This fee does not replace any fees paid to the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Department of State. It is a separate fee required only by USCIS.
Who Needs to Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
If you have been granted an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate and plan to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident, you must pay this fee. This applies to most new immigrants coming to the U.S. for the first time with an immigrant visa.
This includes:
- Family-based immigrants
- Employment-based immigrants
- Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winners
- Immigrants who completed consular processing abroad
- Anyone entering the U.S. for the first time as a new permanent resident
Exemptions and Exceptions
Some immigrants do not have to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. These include:
- Children entering the U.S. through orphan or Hague adoption programs
- Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants
- Lawful permanent residents returning with SB-1 visas
- K nonimmigrant visa holders, such as fiancé(e) visa recipients
If you qualify for any of these categories, you are exempt from the fee but still must complete all other immigration steps.
When and How to Pay the Fee
It is important to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee as soon as you receive your immigrant visa packet from the U.S. Department of State. You cannot enter the U.S. as a permanent resident without paying the fee first.
Payment Steps:
- Visit the official USCIS payment website.
- Create or log in to your USCIS online account.
- Enter your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and Department of State Case ID exactly as they appear on your visa documents.
- Complete the payment of $235 using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
- Keep your payment confirmation receipt as proof of payment.
Latest Recommended Deadline
It’s best to pay at least 30 days before your planned entry date, but USCIS allows you to pay even after you enter the U.S.
However, your Green Card will not be produced until the fee is paid, which may cause long delays.
Who Can Pay the Fee?
The payment does not have to be made by the immigrant.
Anyone can pay on your behalf:
- You (the immigrant)
- Your family abroad or in the U.S.
- Sponsor or petitioner
- Friends
- Attorneys or accredited representatives
They only need your:
- A-Number
- DOS Case ID
How to Check Your Payment Status
To check whether the fee has been received:
- Log in to your USCIS online account
- Select “Immigrant Fee”
- View your payment confirmation or status
If You See an Error
- Try again after 24 hours
- Double-check your A-Number and Case ID
- Contact USCIS using their online support form
