my.uscis.gov/uscis-immigrant-fee or uscis.gov.
The USCIS Immigrant Fee ($235.00) is a mandatory federal fee paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by foreign nationals who have been approved for an immigrant visa by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. This fee covers USCIS costs to process, produce, and mail your physical Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, commonly known as a Green Card).
Failing to pay this fee will not prevent you from entering the United States with your immigrant visa stamp, but USCIS will not manufacture or mail your physical Green Card until the payment is completed in full. This comprehensive guide covers who must pay, step-by-step online payment instructions, required case numbers, and how to track card delivery.
USCIS Immigrant Fee Specifications & Exemptions
Understanding fee requirements and legal exemptions:
| Fee Item | Amount / Details | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Immigrant Fee | $235.00 per applicant | All primary immigrant visa holders and accompanying family members |
| Payment Window | Before departure or after US entry | Recommended to pay online before traveling to the United States |
| Fee Exemptions (No Fee) | $0.00 Exempt | Orphan/Hague adoptions (IR-3/IH-3), Iraqi/Afghan special immigrants, Returning residents (SB-1), K nonimmigrants |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Pay.gov / Credit / Debit / ACH | Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, or US checking account |
How to Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee Online (Step-by-Step)
1. Locate Your Two Required Identifiers:
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number): The letter “A” followed by 8 or 9 digits (e.g.,
A012345678), located on your immigrant visa foil sticker or USCIS fee handout. If your A-Number has only 8 digits, enter a zero after the “A” to make it 9 digits. - Department of State (DOS) Case ID: 3 letters followed by 9 or 10 numbers (e.g.,
MNL1234567890), located on your immigrant visa under “IV Case Number”.
2. Access the Official USCIS Payment Portal:
- Navigate to: my.uscis.gov/accounts/uscis-immigrant-fee.
- Click “Continue to File”.
- Enter the applicant’s A-Number and DOS Case ID.
- Click “Add”. If paying for accompanying family members, enter their A-Numbers and DOS Case IDs to pay all fees in a single transaction.
- Review the total payment amount ($235 per person).
3. Complete Secure Payment via Pay.gov:
- Click “Proceed to Payment” to transfer to the U.S. Treasury’s secure Pay.gov engine.
- Choose your payment method:
- Credit / Debit / Prepaid Card: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.
- U.S. Bank Account (ACH Debit): Enter your U.S. bank routing number and checking account number.
- Provide your valid email address to receive an instant USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment Receipt.
- Submit payment and save your 10-digit receipt number (starts with
IOE).
Tracking Your Physical Green Card Delivery
Once you enter the United States through a port of entry (CBP inspection) and pay the $235 fee, USCIS initiates card manufacturing:
- Card Production Timeline: Most permanent resident cards are printed and mailed within 30 to 90 days of U.S. arrival.
- Check Case Status: Visit
egov.uscis.govand enter yourIOEreceipt number to track card printing and USPS tracking numbers. - Temporary Proof of Permanent Residency: Upon entering the U.S., CBP stamps your passport with an I-551 admission stamp. This stamp serves as legal proof of permanent resident status and unrestricted work authorization for up to 1 year while your physical card is in transit.
USCIS Customer Service & Help Directory
- USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283 (1-800-375-LATE) (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST)
- Hearing Impaired TTY: 1-800-767-1833
- Online Case Inquiries: my.uscis.gov
- Official Agency Portal: uscis.gov
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can someone else in the U.S. pay the fee on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, petitioner, sponsor, employer, or immigration attorney in the United States may pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee on your behalf using their credit card or U.S. bank account, provided they have your correct A-Number and DOS Case ID.
What happens if I forget to pay the fee before flying to the United States?
You will still be admitted into the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, your physical Green Card will not be printed until you go online and submit the $235 payment.
How do I update my U.S. mailing address for Green Card delivery?
If your residential address changes after arriving in the United States, immediately submit Form AR-11 online via your USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov or call the USCIS Contact Center to ensure your card is not returned by the Postal Service.
Related Government & Immigration Guides:
Disclaimer: BillPayment.guide is an independent educational portal and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by USCIS or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For legal advice, consult an accredited 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.
