Effective February 1, 2013, individuals applying for immigrant visas through a U.S. Consulate abroad will be required to pay an immigrant visa fee of $165. This fee is in addition to the Department of State’s application fee.
The fee allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas, including staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card.
In an attempt to streamline the payment process, applicants will pay online through the USCIS website after they receive their visa package from the Department of State and before they depart for the U.S. The Department of State will provide applicants with specific information on how to submit payment when they attend their consular interview.
