New USCIS Immigrant Fee To Be Implemented On February 1, 2013

USCIS has announced that on February 1, 2013, it will begin collecting a new USCIS Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States, to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas in the United States after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from DOS. USCIS has also announced that 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 United States. 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. However, prospective adoptive parents whose child will enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague processes are exempt from the new fee.