Does the F1 sponsor also need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?

It is important to clarify how fees and financial obligations work within the immigration processes to the United States, especially in cases involving Family Based petitions. Often, questions arise about which party – the sponsor or the immigrant – is responsible for certain payments, such as the USCIS Immigrant Fee.

In the scope of family-based visas, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is a fee that must be paid by the immigrant, that is, the person who will receive the immigrant visa and subsequently the Green Card. This fee is charged so that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services can initiate the printing and final production of the permanent resident card, which occurs when the beneficiary is completing the entry process into the country.

Therefore, the sponsor – the person who provides financial support and submits the affidavit of support (Form I-864) – is not obligated to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, with this responsibility being exclusive to the immigrant beneficiary. It is worth emphasizing that, although the sponsor”s role is fundamental to demonstrate that the immigrant will not become a public charge, each party has specific responsibilities in the process.

It is essential to always follow updated information directly from official sources, such as the USCIS website, and remain vigilant to avoid scams or unfounded promises of guaranteed results regarding immigration processes. Remembering the importance of strictly adhering to immigration laws and seeking guidance through reliable sources is crucial. These precautions help ensure that the process occurs correctly and without unexpected problems, preventing misinformation that could harm both the sponsor and the immigrant.

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.