How much is the NVC immigrant visa fee?

Decoding the NVC Immigrant Visa Fee: What You Need to Know

Navigating the immigration process can feel overwhelming, and understanding the associated fees is a crucial first step. One significant cost is the National Visa Center (NVC) immigrant visa application processing fee. While seemingly straightforward, there are nuances to understand to ensure you’re prepared for this expense.

This article focuses specifically on the fee for employment-based immigrant visa applications. For those seeking an employment-based green card, the current non-refundable NVC processing fee is $345. This is a crucial point: the $345 fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. This means careful consideration and preparation are essential before submitting your application.

It’s important to note that this $345 fee applies only after you’ve already received an approved I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) petition. This is a key distinction. The I-140 or I-526 petition itself has its own separate filing fees with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The $345 fee is paid after USCIS approves your petition and transfers your case to the NVC.

The NVC fee covers the administrative processing of your application at the National Visa Center. This includes handling your paperwork, scheduling your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, and generally managing your case within the NVC system.

While $345 might seem like a manageable sum, remember that it’s just one of several fees associated with the overall immigration process. Other costs include medical examinations, visa application fees at the embassy/consulate, and potentially legal representation fees.

In summary: The NVC immigrant visa application processing fee for employment-based applications is a non-refundable $345. This fee is payable after approval of your I-140 or I-526 petition and should be factored into your overall budget for the immigration process. Always consult the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information on fees, as they are subject to change. Planning ahead and understanding these costs will help make the journey to your immigrant visa smoother and less stressful.