The United States government has exempted five categories of immigrants from paying the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services immigrant fee required for the processing and delivery of Permanent Resident Cards.
The immigrant fee is generally paid by new lawful permanent residents after receiving their approved immigrant visas. It covers processing immigrant visa packets and producing Green Cards.
According to USCIS, the exemptions apply to specific categories of immigrants.
Five Categories Exempted
Those exempt from the immigrant fee include:
– Children entering the US through orphan or Hague adoption programmes.
– Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants.
– Certain Afghan nationals covered by the exemption period.
– Returning lawful permanent residents, including SB-1 visa holders.
– K non-immigrants.
USCIS said immigrants who do not fall under any of the exempt categories are required to pay the fee to facilitate the production and delivery of their Green Cards.
Payment Required Before or After Arrival
The agency advised eligible immigrants who are required to pay the fee to do so after collecting their immigrant visas from the US Department of State and before travelling to the United States.
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However, the payment can also be made after arrival in the country.
USCIS warned that failure to pay the required fee could delay the production and delivery of the Permanent Resident Card.
In such cases, the agency may send the immigrant a notice explaining how to complete the payment.
Third Party Can Make Payment
USCIS also allows another person to pay the immigrant fee on behalf of an immigrant who is unable to make the payment.
A family member, friend, employer, lawyer or accredited representative can make the payment using the immigrant’s Alien Number and Department of State Case ID.
The agency advised immigrants to confirm their eligibility for an exemption before making payment to avoid unnecessary delays in the Green Card process.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.