How To Pay Immigrant Fee (Green Card Fee) After Receiving Your Immigrant Visa||Updated

US Immigration Help
24 Mar 202409:54

TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive guide on paying the US immigrant fee, also known as the green card fee, after receiving an immigration visa. It emphasizes the importance of timely payment, provides detailed instructions on the process, including the need for a case ID number and visa number, and outlines the steps to make the payment online through the official website. The script also addresses common concerns such as eligibility, exemptions, and the consequences of not paying the fee, ensuring viewers are well-informed about their immigration journey.

Takeaways

  • 📄 After receiving an immigrant visa, it's time to pay the immigrant fee (green card fee).
  • 🔍 The visa will contain necessary information for fee payment, including a number and instructions.
  • 📆 The fee should be paid within 10 working days of receiving the visa.
  • 💲 The immigrant fee is $220 USD, and there is an online platform for payment.
  • 👨‍👩 Family members can pay the fee on behalf of the immigrant.
  • 🔗 The payment is made through the official website: www.uscis.gov/immigrantfee.
  • 💳 Payment can be made using a credit or debit card.
  • 📋 It's important to keep a copy of the payment receipt for records.
  • 👶 Certain individuals, like children entering under certain programs, may be exempt from paying the fee.
  • 📝 You will need your visa number, I-797 approval letter, and case ID number from NVC welcome letter for payment.
  • 📧 If the fee is not paid on time, USCIS will send an I-797C notice requesting payment.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of today's video?

    -The purpose of today's video is to explain the process of paying the immigrant fee, also known as the green card fee, after receiving an immigration visa.

  • What should you do after receiving your immigrant visa?

    -After receiving your immigrant visa, you should pay your immigrant fee within 10 working days.

  • Where can you find the necessary information to pay the immigrant fee?

    -The necessary information to pay the immigrant fee can be found on the visa itself and in the documents provided by the counselor officer during the visa interview.

  • What is the standard amount for the US immigrant fee?

    -The standard amount for the US immigrant fee is $220 USD.

  • Who can pay the immigrant fee on behalf of the visa holder?

    -A family member can pay the immigrant fee on behalf of the visa holder.

  • How can you access the online platform to pay the immigrant fee?

    -You can access the online platform to pay the immigrant fee by visiting www.us.gov/es/immigrant-fee and signing in to your USCIS online account.

  • What happens if you do not pay the immigrant fee within the required time frame?

    -If the immigrant fee is not paid within the required time frame, USCIS will send an i-797C notice for action, requesting the payment of the fee.

  • What are some categories of immigrants who are exempt from paying the immigrant fee?

    -Categories of immigrants who are exempt from paying the immigrant fee include children entering the US under the orphan or adoption act, certain special immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan, and K and K-9 immigrants.

  • What are the two essential numbers needed to pay the immigrant fee online?

    -The two essential numbers needed to pay the immigrant fee online are the visa number (found on the visa stamp or I-797 approval letter) and the Department of State case ID number (found on the NVC welcome letter).

  • How long does it typically take for USCIS to issue a green card after the immigrant fee is paid?

    -After the immigrant fee is paid, it typically takes USCIS from 4 to 12 weeks to issue a green card.

  • What should you do if you receive an i-797C notice from USCIS?

    -If you receive an i-797C notice from USCIS, you must log into your account and pay the immigrant fee as instructed on the notice.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Guide to Paying the US Immigrant Fee

The video introduces viewers to the process of paying the US immigrant fee, or green card fee, after receiving an immigration visa. The speaker, identifying as an attorney with experience and knowledge from the USCIS website, aims to simplify the immigration journey for viewers. The process starts once the immigrant visa is received, with the consulate officer providing crucial information and the visa containing the A-number needed for the fee payment. The video details how the immigrant visa packet is now digital and sent directly to the port of entry. It emphasizes the necessity of paying the immigrant fee online, using a number and case ID found on the visa stamp or I-797 approval letter, and the NVC welcome letter. The fee is $220, and the payment process involves creating or logging into a USCIS online account, with instructions for filling out payment information and keeping a receipt. The importance of paying the fee is underscored to avoid receiving a notice for payment from USCIS.

05:00

🛂 Completing the Immigrant Fee Payment Process

This section delves deeper into the specifics of paying the US CIS immigrant fee, outlining who is exempt from the fee and what documents are necessary for payment. It highlights the exclusions such as children under certain adoption categories, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, and others who do not need to pay the fee. For those required to pay, it reiterates the need for an A-number and Department of State case ID number, found on official documents like the visa stamp and NVC welcome letter. The video walks through the online payment steps, emphasizing the need for accurate information and providing tips for adding multiple immigrants to the transaction if needed. It mentions the consequences of failing to pay the fee timely, including receiving a notice from USCIS and the subsequent steps to ensure the green card is issued. The segment closes by encouraging viewers to subscribe for more helpful content, indicating the end of the instructional video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Immigrant Fee

The Immigrant Fee refers to the cost associated with receiving an immigrant visa or green card in the United States. It is a mandatory payment required from individuals after their immigrant visa has been issued. In the context of the video, the attorney explains the process of paying this fee, which amounts to $220, and emphasizes the importance of making this payment to avoid delays in receiving the green card.

💡Green Card

A Green Card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an identification card that indicates the holder's status as a permanent resident in the United States. This card grants the holder the right to live and work in the country permanently. The video discusses the process of paying the Immigrant Fee, which is directly related to obtaining a Green Card after being issued an immigrant visa.

💡USCIS

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. In the video, the attorney refers to instructions from the USCIS website to provide accurate guidance on the immigration process, including the payment of the Immigrant Fee.

💡Visa Stamp

A Visa Stamp is a stamp placed in a passport by immigration authorities that indicates the holder is authorized to enter the country for a specific purpose and duration. In the context of the video, the Visa Stamp is where individuals can find their unique number required for paying the Immigrant Fee.

💡NVC Welcome Letter

The NVC Welcome Letter is a communication sent by the National Visa Center (NVC) to applicants as part of the immigrant visa process. It contains important information, including the Department of State case ID number, which is required for paying the Immigrant Fee online.

💡Online Payment

Online Payment refers to the process of making a payment through the internet, using a secure platform. In the video, the attorney explains the steps for paying the Immigrant Fee online, which involves entering personal and payment information through a secure website.

💡U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State is a federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, including issuing visas and managing immigration processes. In the video, the Department of State provides a list of payers and instructions for paying the Immigrant Fee.

💡Case ID Number

A Case ID Number is a unique identifier assigned to an individual's immigration case by the United States government. It is used to track and manage the case throughout the immigration process. In the video, the Case ID Number is necessary for paying the Immigrant Fee and can be found in the NVC Welcome Letter.

💡Digital Immigration Process

The Digital Immigration Process refers to the use of digital platforms and electronic systems to manage immigration applications, payments, and communications. In the video, the attorney discusses the digital aspects of the immigration process, such as the automatic digital transmission of the IV packet to the Customs and Border Protection authorities and the online payment of the Immigrant Fee.

💡I-797C Notice

The I-797C Notice is a document sent by USCIS to an applicant if the Immigrant Fee is not paid within the expected timeframe. It serves as a formal request for payment and provides information on the required amount and the applicant's details. In the video, the attorney explains the consequences of not paying the Immigrant Fee on time, including the issuance of the I-797C Notice.

💡US Government Website

The US Government Website refers to the official online platforms managed by the United States government to provide information and services to the public. In the video, the attorney directs viewers to the us.gov website for the payment of the Immigrant Fee, indicating the reliability and security of this government resource.

Highlights

The video discusses the process of paying the US immigrant fee, also known as the green card fee, after receiving an immigration visa.

The presenter is an attorney with experience in immigration matters and provides guidance based on USCIS instructions.

After receiving the immigrant visa, it is important to pay the immigrant fee within 10 working days.

The visa will contain a number and necessary information for paying the immigrant fee.

The US Department of State will provide a payer list, and the immigrant visa is now digital, accessible online at any port of entry.

Important information about the visa is provided by the counselor officer before entering the United States.

The US immigrant fee payment process is explained in detail, including the need for a number and case ID.

The fee amount is $220 USD, and the payment can be made by a family member on behalf of the immigrant.

Instructions for paying the fee online are provided, including visiting the official website and signing in to a USCIS online account.

Eligibility for the immigrant fee is discussed, with certain categories of immigrants being exempt from the fee.

The document outlines the necessary documentation for paying the fee, including the visa stamp, approval notice, and case ID number.

A privacy notice and the Paper Reduction Act statement are included in the payment process.

Instructions emphasize not mailing the payment to a physical address but completing the process online.

If the fee is not paid, USCIS will wait up to eight weeks and then send an i797c notice requesting payment.

Once the fee is paid, USCIS will issue the green card within 4 to 12 weeks.

The video encourages viewers to subscribe, share, and engage with the content for more immigration-related guidance.