How Immigrant Fees Work and Where to Pay Them
What immigrant fees are and who pays them
An immigrant fee is a charge the U.S. government collects when you enter the country through a port of entry—airports, land borders, or seaports. It is not a visa fee, which you pay at a consulate before you travel. The immigrant fee is separate and happens at the moment you arrive.
The fee covers the cost of processing your arrival and maintaining immigration inspection systems. As of now, the amount varies by port of entry and entry type, but typically ranges from a few dollars to around $5 per person for most travelers. Some ports charge flat fees; others charge per person. Children, crew members, and certain other categories may be exempt.
You pay this fee directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or to the airline or cruise line acting as a collection agent on their behalf. Most people pay it without thinking about it because it is bundled into the arrival process—you cannot enter without paying it, and you cannot pay it separately or in advance in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- Immigrant fees are collected at U.S. ports of entry and are separate from visa fees paid before travel.
- The amount depends on your port of entry and entry method, and exemptions exist for children, crew, and certain other categories.
- You typically pay the fee to the airline, cruise line, or CBP officer at the moment you arrive—not before.
- If you overpay or pay by mistake, you can request a refund from CBP, though the process takes time and requires documentation.
- Some ports accept cash, card, or check; payment methods vary by location, so confirm with your port before arrival.
Where the fee is collected and how payment works
The fee is collected at the port of entry itself, not online or in advance. If you are arriving by air, the airline often collects the fee before you disembark or as part of your arrival paperwork. If you are arriving by sea, the cruise line or ship operator collects it. If you are arriving by land, CBP officers at the border collect it directly.
Payment methods depend on the port. Most major airports and seaports accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Some smaller ports may accept only cash or check. Call your specific port of entry ahead of time to confirm what they accept—this information is usually on the CBP website under "Ports of Entry" or by contacting the port directly.
You will receive a receipt when you pay. Keep this receipt. If there is ever a question about whether you paid, or if you need to dispute the amount, the receipt is your proof.
What happens if you cannot pay at the port
If you arrive without the means to pay—no cash, no working card—CBP officers have discretion to allow you to enter and pay later. This is not automatic, and it depends on the officer and the circumstances. Do not count on this option.
If you are allowed to enter without paying, you will be given a notice stating the amount owed and a deadline to pay. The deadline is usually 30 days. You can then pay by mail, by phone, or in person at the port where you entered. Payments by mail should be sent to the address on the notice, and you should include a copy of the notice itself.
If you miss the deadline, CBP may pursue collection through other means, including referral to a debt collection agency or offset against future tax refunds. This is rare for small amounts, but it can happen.
Refunds and overpayments
If you overpaid the fee—for example, if you paid for someone who was exempt, or if you paid twice by mistake—you can request a refund from CBP. The request must be made in writing and include your receipt, proof of payment, and an explanation of why you believe you overpaid.
Send the request to the CBP port where you paid. You can find the mailing address on your receipt or on the CBP website. Include copies of all supporting documents, not originals. CBP typically responds within 30 to 60 days, though processing times vary.
Refunds are issued by check, usually mailed to the address you provide. If you paid by credit card or debit card, you can ask CBP to credit the card instead, though this takes longer because the refund must go through the card processor.
Exemptions and reduced fees
Not everyone pays the full fee. Children under a certain age (this varies by port, typically under 2 years old) are often exempt. Crew members, certain diplomats, and people entering under specific visa categories may also be exempt or pay a reduced amount.
If you believe you are exempt, tell the CBP officer or airline representative before they charge you. Have documentation ready—your visa, passport, or other proof of your status. Once you have paid, getting an exemption refunded is slower than preventing the charge in the first place.
Some ports offer reduced fees for groups or for people entering under humanitarian visas or other special categories. Ask at your port of entry whether a reduced rate applies to you.
Payment by mail if you did not pay at arrival
If you entered without paying and received a notice, you can pay by mail. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice. Include a copy of the notice itself and your name, date of birth, and passport number on the check or in a cover letter.
Mail everything to the address listed on the notice. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the payment was received. CBP processes mail payments slowly—allow 4 to 8 weeks for the payment to be recorded and for you to receive confirmation.
Keep a copy of everything you send. If CBP claims they never received your payment, you will need proof that you mailed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the immigrant fee online before I arrive?
No. The fee must be paid at the port of entry when you arrive. There is no online payment system for immigrant fees. You cannot pay it in advance, and you cannot pay it through a third party. Plan to have the payment method accepted at your specific port ready when you land.
What if the airline or cruise line charged me but I never received a receipt?
Ask the airline or cruise line for a receipt or proof of payment immediately. They should have a record of the transaction. If they cannot provide one, contact CBP at the port where you arrived and provide your name, date of arrival, and passport number. CBP can search their records and issue a receipt or confirmation.
Do I have to pay if I am a U.S. citizen returning home?
No. U.S. citizens do not pay the immigrant fee. Only foreign nationals entering the United States are charged. If you were charged as a U.S. citizen, contact CBP immediately to request a refund.
How long does it take to get a refund after I request one?
CBP typically processes refund requests within 30 to 60 days, though some take longer depending on the port and the complexity of the request. If you have not heard back after 60 days, contact the port where you submitted the request to follow up.
What if I paid the fee twice by accident?
Request a refund in writing to the port where you paid. Include both receipts, your name, passport number, and an explanation. CBP will investigate and issue a refund for the duplicate payment. This usually takes 30 to 60 days.