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
What Happens After Payment?
Once your payment is processed, USCIS will begin producing your Green Card. Your card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided when you filled out your immigrant visa application (Form DS-260). It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to receive your Green Card after payment.
If you do not receive your card within a reasonable time, you should check your payment status online and contact USCIS if needed.
How Long Does It Take?
- Usually: 2–4 weeks
- Sometimes: up to 90 days
Changing Your Address After Payment
If you move after paying the fee but before receiving your Green Card, update your U.S. address with USCIS immediately. You can do this online using the USCIS Change of Address tool or by submitting Form AR-11. This ensures your card is sent to the correct location.
What if You Don’t Pay the Fee?
If you do not pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, your Green Card will not be produced or mailed. This will delay your ability to prove your permanent resident status and get important documents such as a Social Security card or driver’s license. It is very important to pay this fee on time to avoid legal and practical complications.
What If Your Green Card Does Not Arrive?
If you entered the U.S. more than 90 days ago and still don’t have your Green Card:
- Confirm payment
- Verify your U.S. mailing address
- Check USCIS online case status
- Contact USCIS for help
- If needed, file Form I-90 for card replacement (fee may apply)
Consequences of Not Paying the Immigrant Fee
- USCIS will not produce or mail your Green Card
- You will enter the U.S. with a temporary I-551 stamp only
- Difficulty proving permanent resident status to employers or government agencies
- Delays in getting Social Security number, state ID, or driver’s license
FAQs on USCIS Immigrant Fee
1. What happens if I forget to pay the fee before entering the U.S.?
You will still be admitted into the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and receive a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport. However, USCIS will not mail your physical Green Card until the $235 fee is paid and processed. Failure to pay will eventually leave you without the necessary physical card to prove your LPR status for employment, state IDs, or international travel.
2. Where do I pay the fee?
The fee must be paid online through the official USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS), which uses the secure Pay.gov service.
3. Can someone else pay the fee on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, friend, employer, attorney, or accredited representative can pay the fee for you. They will need to use your A-Number and DOS Case ID to submit the payment.
4. Who is required to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
The fee must be paid by all individuals issued an immigrant visa (Green Card) by the Department of State (DOS) who are entering the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) via consular processing.
Conclusion
Paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee is a simple but important step for all new permanent residents entering the United States through consular processing. By paying the $235 fee before traveling, you help ensure that your Green Card is produced quickly and delivered to your U.S. address without delays.
This guide gives you everything you need—who must pay, how to pay, and what happens next—so your transition to life as a permanent resident is smooth and stress-free.
