When can I pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?

As a general rule, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is paid online after your immigrant visa (such as the EB-2 NIW) is approved and you enter the United States. It covers the production and mailing of your green card, the document that formalizes permanent residence.

For those who process their visa abroad, the typical guidance is to make the payment as soon as possible after entering the country and before the green card is produced and mailed. Paying at the right time prevents delays in the issuance of your card.

Since the exact steps and requirements may change, the safest approach is to follow the instructions that accompany your case:

• Review the official guidance received from the Department of State and USCIS.
• Complete the payment through the official online channel indicated.
• Keep the confirmation receipt with your documentation.

To confirm the timing and procedure that apply to your situation, visit the official USCIS page on the Immigrant Fee or speak with an immigration specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.