How to Pay the Green Card Fee and What It Covers

The green card fee is a separate charge from your immigration filing fees, and you pay it only after USCIS approves your application

When USCIS approves your green card application, they send you a notice telling you to pay an additional fee before your card is produced. This fee covers the cost of manufacturing and mailing your physical green card. The amount varies depending on your age and immigration category, but as of 2024 it ranges from around $85 to $220. You do not pay this fee upfront — you pay it only after approval, and only if you are moving forward with the green card itself.

The fee is non-refundable once you pay it, even if you later decide not to use the green card or if it arrives damaged. USCIS will tell you exactly how much you owe and give you a deadline to pay, usually 30 to 60 days from the approval notice.

Key Takeaways

• The green card fee is charged only after USCIS approves your application, not before.
• You can pay by check, money order, or credit card through the USCIS online payment system, depending on which method your notice instructs you to use.
• The fee amount depends on your age and immigration category, and USCIS will specify the exact amount in your approval notice.
• Payment must be received by the deadline listed in your notice, or your case may be delayed or closed.
• Keep your payment receipt and reference number for your records in case USCIS needs to verify payment later.

Payment methods USCIS accepts for the green card fee

USCIS gives you options for how to send the fee, and your approval notice will tell you which methods are available for your specific case. The most common method is mailing a check or money order to the address listed in your notice. Make sure to write your case number and name on the check or money order so USCIS can match it to your file.

Some applicants can pay online through the USCIS website using a credit or debit card. This option is faster and gives you immediate confirmation, but not all cases are may be able to access for online payment — your notice will say whether you can use this method. If you pay online, print or save your receipt, which includes a confirmation number you will need if you ever need to prove payment.

A few applicants may be told to pay in person at a USCIS office, though this is less common. If your notice says to pay in person, call the office listed to find out their hours and what forms of payment they accept on-site.

What happens if you miss the payment deadline

If your payment does not arrive by the deadline in your notice, USCIS may close your case without producing your green card. You would then have to file a new application and start the process over, which costs time and money. If you think your payment will be late, contact USCIS as soon as possible to ask for an extension — some offices will grant a short delay if you have a legitimate reason.

If you mailed a check and are unsure whether it arrived, wait at least two weeks after the deadline before contacting USCIS. Mail can take time, and USCIS may not have processed it yet. When you call or write, have your case number and the amount you sent ready so they can search their records.

Confirming your payment went through

After you pay, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming the fee was received. This usually arrives within two to four weeks if you mailed a check, or immediately if you paid online. The receipt will have a confirmation number and the date USCIS received your payment.

If you do not receive a receipt within a month, contact USCIS to verify they have your payment. Have your case number, the amount you paid, and the date you sent it ready when you call. Do not assume the payment went through just because you sent it — confirmation from USCIS is what matters.

What the green card fee covers

The fee you pay covers the production of your physical green card, including the plastic card itself, the security features printed on it, and the cost of mailing it to your address. It does not cover any of the earlier immigration filing fees you may have already paid for your application. Those are separate and are paid at different stages of the process.

Once USCIS receives your fee payment and confirms it, they send your information to the card production facility. The card is then printed with your photo, fingerprints, and other identifying information, and mailed to the address you provided in your application. This usually takes two to four weeks from the time they receive your payment.

If your green card arrives damaged or lost

If your card arrives damaged or does not arrive at all, contact USCIS to report it. You may be charged a replacement fee, which is typically lower than the original fee but still costs money. USCIS will tell you how to pay for the replacement and will reissue the card to you.

If your card is lost after it arrives, you can request a replacement through USCIS, though this also involves a fee. Some people choose to use a state ID or passport as proof of status instead of replacing a lost green card, depending on their situation. Ask USCIS what your options are if your card is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the green card fee before USCIS approves my application?

No. USCIS will not accept the fee until after they have approved your case and sent you an approval notice. Paying early will not speed up your application and may cause confusion with your file.

What if I cannot afford to pay the fee by the deadline?

Contact USCIS immediately to explain your situation and ask for a deadline extension. Some offices will grant a short delay. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask whether a fee waiver or reduction is possible for your specific case.

Do I need to pay the green card fee if I am adjusting status inside the United States?

Yes, the fee applies to all green card applicants regardless of whether they are adjusting status in the U.S. or going through consular processing abroad. The fee is the same either way.

What if I paid the fee but my case was denied after I paid?

The green card fee is non-refundable, even if your case is denied after you pay it. This is why it is important to only pay after receiving an approval notice, not before.

How do I know if my check was received by USCIS?

Wait for the receipt notice from USCIS, which confirms they received your payment. If you do not receive one within four weeks, contact USCIS with your case number and payment details to verify it was processed.