USCIS Mandates Fee for Immigrant Visa Holders Before Travel

The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a mandatory fee for immigrant visa holders that must be paid after receiving their visa from the Department of State and before boarding a flight to the United States. USCIS emphasized that failure to pay this fee will result in withholding the applicant's Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551).

This requirement applies broadly to immigrant visa holders, with exceptions for SI-1, SI-2, SI-3, SQ-1, SQ-2, and SQ-3 visa categories. USCIS encourages applicants to pay the fee immediately after collecting their immigrant visa.

Payments can be made by the applicants or by someone on their behalf, requiring the applicant's Alien Number (A-Number) and Department of State Case ID. If not paid before traveling, applicants can settle the fee upon arrival in the U.S., but the Green Card will remain on hold until payment is confirmed.

USCIS has not specified the fee amount, advising applicants to check their website for details.