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New Immigrant Visa Fee Starts February 1, 2013

On February 1, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting a new Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the U.S. through consular processing.

According to USCIS, the new fee allows the agency to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas in the U.S. after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).  This includes staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident (green) card.

In order to simplify and centralize the payment process, applicants will pay online through the USCIS website after they receive their visa package from DOS and before they depart for the U.S.  DOS will provide applicants with specific information on how to submit payment when they attend their consular interview.  The new fee is in addition to fees charged by DOS associated with an individual’s immigrant visa application.

Prospective adoptive parents whose child will enter the U.S. under the Orphan or Hague processes are exempt from the new fee.