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How USCIS Immigrant Fees Work and When You Have to Pay Them

By Tanika Patel
6 minute read

What the USCIS Immigrant Fee Is

The USCIS Immigrant Fee is a one-time payment you make to USCIS after you have been approved for permanent residence (a green card) but before you receive it in the mail. It is not part of your application fee — it comes after approval. The fee covers the cost of producing and delivering your green card and processing your immigration record into the system.

You pay this fee only once, and only if you are adjusting status inside the United States (applying while already here) or immigrating through a consulate abroad. The amount and payment method depend on how you are immigrating and where you are located when you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • The USCIS Immigrant Fee is due after your green card is approved, not before, and you will receive a bill (Form I-797) telling you exactly how much and where to send it.
  • The fee amount varies depending on whether you are adjusting status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad, and USCIS updates the amount periodically.
  • You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card through the USCIS online payment system, depending on which method USCIS instructs you to use.
  • If you do not pay within the deadline on your bill, USCIS will not issue your green card and your case may be closed.
  • Some people are exempt from paying this fee, including immediate relatives of U.S. citizens under age 2 and certain refugees and asylees.

When You Receive the Bill and How Long You Have to Pay

After USCIS approves your green card application, they will mail you a bill (Form I-797 Notice of Action) that states the fee amount and the payment deadline. The deadline is usually 45 days from the date on the notice, though you should check your specific bill to be certain.

The bill will also tell you which payment method to use. Do not send payment before you receive this bill — USCIS will not process it, and you may lose track of the money. Wait for the official notice, then follow the instructions on it exactly.

If you miss the deadline, USCIS will not produce your green card. Your case may be closed, and you will have to reopen it or start over. Contact USCIS immediately if you believe you missed the deadline or did not receive the bill.

How Much the Fee Is

The amount of the USCIS Immigrant Fee depends on your immigration category and whether you are adjusting status in the U.S. or going through consular processing abroad. USCIS updates these fees periodically, so the amount you pay may differ from what someone else paid in a previous year.

Your bill will show the exact amount you owe. If you are unsure whether the amount is correct, you can contact USCIS or review the current fee schedule on the USCIS website before you pay. Do not pay a different amount than what appears on your bill.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Payment

Your Form I-797 bill will specify which payment method USCIS accepts for your case. The most common methods are check, money order, credit card, or debit card through the USCIS online payment portal. Some cases allow multiple methods; others allow only one.

If you are paying by check or money order, the bill will show the mailing address. Write your case number or receipt number on the check or money order. If you are paying online through the USCIS portal, you will need your receipt number and other identifying information to log in and complete the payment.

Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt. If you pay by mail, consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Do not send cash.

Who Does Not Have to Pay This Fee

Some categories of people are exempt from the USCIS Immigrant Fee. These include immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are under age 2, certain refugees and asylees, and people granted special immigrant status under specific laws. If you believe you fall into an exempt category, check your approval notice or contact USCIS to confirm before the deadline passes.

If you are exempt, USCIS will usually note this on your approval notice. You should not receive a bill. If you do receive a bill and believe you are exempt, contact USCIS right away with documentation of your exempt status.

What Happens After You Pay

After USCIS receives your payment, they will process it and produce your green card. The card is then mailed to the address you provided on your application. Delivery typically takes two to four weeks after payment is processed, though it can vary.

You can check the status of your green card through the USCIS case tracking system using your receipt number. If you do not receive your card within a reasonable time, or if you need to update your mailing address, contact USCIS with your receipt number and case details.

If You Cannot Pay by the Deadline

If you cannot pay by the deadline on your bill, contact USCIS as soon as possible. You can call the USCIS Contact Center or submit a request through the USCIS website to ask about your options. USCIS may be able to extend the deadline in some cases, but you must request this before the deadline passes.

Do not ignore the bill or assume USCIS will automatically extend the deadline. Taking action early gives you the best chance of keeping your case open and receiving your green card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before I receive the bill?

No. USCIS will not process payment before they send you the official bill (Form I-797). The bill includes your specific amount, case number, and payment instructions. Sending money early may result in the payment being returned or lost.

What if I paid the fee but did not receive my green card?

Check the status of your case using the USCIS online tracking system with your receipt number. If the payment was processed but the card has not arrived after four weeks, contact USCIS with your receipt number and case details to find out where it is.

Can someone else pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can pay on your behalf as long as they include your case number or receipt number with the payment. If paying by check or money order, write your case number clearly on it. If paying online, you will need your receipt number to access the payment portal.

What if I lost my bill or do not know how much to pay?

Contact USCIS with your receipt number or case details, and they can tell you the amount and payment deadline. You can also check the USCIS fee schedule online to see the current immigrant fee amounts by category, though your bill will show your exact amount.

Does paying the immigrant fee mean I will definitely get my green card?

Paying the fee means USCIS will produce and mail your green card. However, your approval must remain valid and your case must not have been reopened or denied. If anything changes with your case after approval, contact USCIS before paying to make sure your status has not changed.