ceac.state.gov/IV or travel.state.gov. Never enter case numbers or payment information on third-party visa services.
When applying for a U.S. Immigrant Visa (Permanent Residency / Green Card) through consular processing abroad, applicants and petitioners must navigate official fee payments administered by the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
Paying required consular fees promptly is mandatory before you can complete the online DS-260 immigrant visa application or upload civil and financial sponsorship documents. This comprehensive guide covers the exact fee schedule, paying fees online via CEAC, bank routing requirements, and distinguishing Department of State fees from the separate USCIS Immigrant Fee.
U.S. Immigrant Visa Fee Schedule Breakdown
Immigrant visa processing involves mandatory government fees at distinct procedural stages:
| Fee Description | Government Amount | When & Where to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fee | $120.00 (per petition) | Paid via CEAC by petitioner before submitting Form I-864 |
| Immigrant Visa Application (IV) Fee | $325.00 (per applicant) | Paid via CEAC for each intending immigrant before submitting Form DS-260 |
| Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Fee | $330.00 (per person) | Paid at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on day of interview |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (Green Card) | $235.00 (per person) | Paid to USCIS online after visa is issued to produce physical Green Card |
How to Pay NVC Immigrant Visa Fees on CEAC (Step-by-Step)
1. Gather Required Case Information:
- NVC Case Number (3-letter embassy code followed by 10 digits, e.g.,
MNL2026123456). - Invoice Identification Number (IIN) (printed on your official NVC Welcome Letter).
- U.S. Bank Account Details (Checking or Savings routing and account number). Note: CEAC requires payments to be drawn from a US-based financial institution.
2. Sign In to CEAC:
- Navigate to the official portal: ceac.state.gov/IV.
- Enter your NVC Case Number and Invoice Identification Number.
- Select whether you are the Applicant, Petitioner, Attorney, or Third-Party Agent.
- Complete the CAPTCHA security image and click “Continue”.
3. Process the Payments:
- On the Summary Information screen, locate the Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fee ($120) and Immigrant Visa (IV) Fee ($325).
- Click “Pay Now” next to the AOS fee first.
- Enter the U.S. bank account holder’s name, routing number, and account number.
- Review payment details and click “Make Payment”.
- Repeat the process for each family member’s IV fee.
4. Processing Time & Status Change:
Payments take approximately 2 to 3 business days to clear through the U.S. banking system. Once cleared, your fee status on CEAC changes from “IN PROCESS” to “PAID”, which automatically unlocks the Form DS-260 online visa application and document upload portal.
Important Notice: CEAC Payment Rules
- No Credit Cards: The CEAC system does not accept credit cards or debit cards for immigrant visa fees. All payments must be processed as ACH electronic funds transfers from a U.S. bank account.
- Third-Party Payers Allowed: If the applicant or petitioner does not have a U.S. bank account, a relative, friend, or attorney in the United States may submit the payment on their behalf using their U.S. checking details.
U.S. Department of State & NVC Support Directory
- NVC Public Inquiry Online Form: travel.state.gov/ask-nvc (Official Ticket System)
- Visa Information Portal: travel.state.gov
- Physical Mailing Address:
National Visa Center
32 Rochester Avenue, Suite 200
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can immigrant visa fees be refunded if the visa is denied?
No. U.S. immigrant visa application and Affidavit of Support fees are strictly non-refundable government processing charges, regardless of whether a visa is approved or denied.
What is the difference between NVC fees and the USCIS Immigrant Fee?
NVC fees ($120 AOS and $325 IV) cover consular interview processing by the Department of State. The $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee is a separate fee paid to USCIS after your visa is approved to cover the printing and mailing of your physical Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Related Government & Immigration Guides:
Disclaimer: BillPayment.guide is an independent educational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of State, NVC, or USCIS. For legal immigration advice, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Anisur Rahman brings over 17 years of experience at the intersection of complex technology and digital strategy to BillPayment.guide. Active in the digital space since 2009, Anisur uses his deep industry insights to break down financial technologies, secure online payment methods, and digital platforms. His actionable guides help readers navigate the fast-paced digital economy and manage their online transactions with confidence.
