Congratulations! If you are reading this, it likely means your I-130 petition has been approved by USCIS. That is a huge milestone in your marriage-based green card journey.
But, as you’ve probably realized, the paperwork isn’t quite over yet. Now, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). This is the agency under the U.S. Department of State that prepares your file before it gets sent to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
With this new stage comes a new set of costs. Understanding the NVC fees is crucial because your case simply will not move forward until these bills are paid.
If you are applying for a green card from outside the United States (a process called Consular Processing), this guide is for you. We will break down exactly what the NVC fees 2026 look like, how to pay them without errors, and what to do if you get stuck.
At Greenbroad, we believe immigration shouldn’t be a mystery. Let’s make sense of these numbers.
ℹ️ Key Takeaways: NVC Fees at a Glance
- Who pays these fees? Only applicants going through Consular Processing (living outside the U.S.). If you are adjusting status inside the U.S., these fees do not apply to you.
- Total Standard NVC Costs: Currently $445 per applicant (excluding the immigrant fee paid later).
- Payment Method: You must pay online via the CEAC portal using a U.S. bank account (checking or savings).
- Timing: Payment processing can take up to a week. You cannot submit documents until the payment status shows “PAID.”
What Are NVC Fees?
When you applied for your initial petition (Form I-130), you paid a filing fee to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). USCIS is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Now that your case is approved, it has been transferred to the Department of State. The National Visa Center (NVC) acts as the administrative processing center for the Department of State. They collect your civil documents and financial forms to ensure everything is ready for your visa interview.
The NVC fees cover the administrative costs of reviewing these documents. Unlike USCIS, which is largely fee-funded, the Department of State charges these specific processing fees to cover the labor involved in checking your Affidavit of Support and your Visa Application.
NVC Fees 2026 Breakdown
For most marriage-based green card applicants in 2026, there are two main fees you need to be aware of.
1. Affidavit of Support Fee (AOS Fee)
- Cost: $120
- What it covers: This fee covers the cost of the NVC reviewing the financial documents submitted by the U.S. petitioner (sponsor). This includes reviewing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and supporting tax documents to ensure the sponsor meets the income requirements to support the intending immigrant.
2. Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee (IV Fee)
- Cost: $325
- What it covers: This fee pays for the processing of the intending immigrant’s application. It covers the review of Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) and the accompanying civil documents (like birth certificates and police records).
Total NVC Fees
For a standard marriage-based case, the total you will pay to the NVC is $445.
Note: These fees are per person. If you are applying for a spouse and a child, you will pay the IV fee for each person, though you generally only pay one Affidavit of Support fee per case if the family members are on the same petition.
I-864 Affidavit of Support - Marriage Green Card Guide (2026 Edition)
Step-by-Step: How to Pay NVC Fees
Paying your fees sounds simple, but the government payment portal can be a little tricky. Follow this NVC fees guide to ensure your payment goes through smoothly.
Step 1: Receive Your Welcome Letter
You cannot pay any fees until you receive a Welcome Letter (via email or mail) from the NVC. This letter contains three critical pieces of information:
- NVC Case Number (Usually starts with three letters like MTL, CDJ, LND, corresponding to your embassy).
- Invoice ID Number.
- Beneficiary ID Number.
Step 2: Log into CEAC
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Log in using your Case Number and Invoice ID.
Step 3: Select the Fees
Once logged in, you will see a summary page. You should see two distinct line items:
- Affidavit of Support Fee
- IV Application Processing Fee
Pro Tip: Usually, the system requires you to pay the Affidavit of Support fee first. Once that is processed, the option to pay the IV fee becomes available. However, in some updated systems, you may be able to select both at once.
Step 4: Enter Payment Information
This is where many people get stuck.
- U.S. Bank Account Required: The NVC system uses an ACH transfer system. You generally cannot use a credit card directly. You need a U.S. bank routing number and checking/savings account number.
- Third-Party Payment: If the immigrant lives abroad and does not have a U.S. bank account, the U.S. citizen petitioner usually makes this payment. If necessary, a friend or family member with a U.S. account can also make the payment on your behalf.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After you hit submit, the status will change to “IN PROCESS.”
- Do not panic. This status can last for 2 to 5 business days.
- Do not try to pay again. This will cause errors or double charges.
Once the status changes to “PAID,” the tabs for submitting your documents (DS-260 and Civil Documents) will unlock.
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Common NVC Fee Payment Mistakes
To avoid delays in your NVC fees 2026 process, watch out for these common pitfalls.
1. Using a Non-U.S. Bank Account
The CEAC portal is designed to pull funds from the U.S. banking system. Attempting to use an international routing number will likely result in a “Payment Failed” or “Rejected” status.
2. Insufficient Funds
Because the payment is an ACH transfer, it isn’t instant like a credit card authorization. The government will attempt to pull the money from the account 1-3 days after you click submit. Ensure the money stays in the account until the transaction clears. A bounced payment can delay your case by weeks.
3. Closing the Browser Too Soon
When submitting payment, wait for the confirmation screen. If you close the browser while the wheel is spinning, the payment might not register, but the system might lock you out temporarily.
4. Ignoring the “In Process” Status
We cannot stress this enough: “In Process” means it is working. If you see this status for more than a week, you may need to contact the NVC via their public inquiry form, but usually, it just requires patience.
NVC (National Visa Center) Processing Time: The 2026 Guide
Comparison: NVC Fees vs. USCIS Fees
It is easy to get confused between the money you paid at the start of the process and the money you pay now. Here is a quick comparison to clarify.
| Feature | USCIS Fees | NVC Fees |
|---|---|---|
| When you pay | At the very beginning (filing I-130). | After the petition is approved. |
| Who you pay | Dept. of Homeland Security. | Dept. of State. |
| Payment Method | Credit card, check, or money order. | Online ACH (Bank Transfer) via CEAC. |
| Amount (2026) | Varies ($625+ for I-130 online). | $445 total (Standard Marriage Case). |
| Purpose | To prove your relationship is real. | To process visa docs & financials. |
Important: There is one final fee after the NVC stage. Once your visa is approved at the interview and you enter the U.S., you will pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee ($235) to trigger the production of the physical Green Card. Do not confuse this with NVC fees.
Scenarios: Who Pays What?
Let’s look at two real-world examples to help you understand how NVC fees fit into your budget.
Scenario A: Sarah (U.S. Citizen) and Marco (Italian Citizen)
- Situation: Sarah lives in Chicago; Marco lives in Rome.
- Step 1: Sarah pays the USCIS filing fee for the I-130 petition.
- Step 2: Once approved, the case goes to the NVC. Sarah logs into CEAC using her U.S. bank account.
- Step 3: Sarah pays the $120 AOS fee.
- Step 4: Sarah pays the $325 IV fee for Marco.
- Total NVC Fees: $445.
Scenario B: Liam (U.S. Citizen) and Jin (South Korean Citizen) + Child
- Situation: Liam lives in Texas; Jin and her 5-year-old daughter live in Seoul.
- Step 1: Liam pays two I-130 filing fees (one for Jin, one for the child).
- Step 2: At the NVC stage, Liam pays one AOS fee ($120) because he is sponsoring them both on the same income.
- Step 3: Liam pays two IV fees ($325 x 2 = $650).
- Total NVC Fees: $770.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I pay NVC fees with a credit card?
Generally, no. The CEAC portal is designed for ACH transfers using a U.S. bank checking or savings account number and routing number. You cannot simply input a Visa or Mastercard number as you would for online shopping.
2. How long does it take for NVC fees to clear?
It typically takes 2 to 5 business days for the status to change from “IN PROCESS” to “PAID.” Bank holidays and weekends will extend this time. You cannot access the application forms (DS-260) until the status says “PAID.”
3. Are NVC fees refundable?
No. Once you pay the NVC fees, they are non-refundable, even if your visa is eventually denied or if you decide to withdraw your application. Make sure you are ready to proceed before submitting payment.
4. Why can’t I pay the IV fee yet?
Often, the NVC system requires the Affidavit of Support (AOS) fee to be paid and processed before it unlocks the ability to pay the Immigrant Visa (IV) fee. If the IV fee is greyed out, pay the AOS fee first and wait a few days.
5. Do I have to pay NVC fees if I am adjusting status in the U.S.?
No. If you are already in the U.S. and applying for a green card through “Adjustment of Status” (filing Form I-485), you do not go through the NVC. You will pay different fees directly to USCIS. NVC fees are strictly for applicants living abroad.
Conclusion
Navigating the financial aspect of immigration can be stressful, but understanding the NVC fees 2026 structure is the best way to avoid surprises. Remember, for a standard marriage-based case, you are looking at a total of $445 paid directly to the Department of State via the CEAC portal.
Ensure you have your U.S. bank account details ready, be patient with the “In Process” status, and keep your Welcome Letter safe—it is your key to the system.
Paying the fees is just the gateway. Once paid, the real work begins: filling out the DS-260 and gathering your civil documents.
Don’t let the paperwork slow down your love story.
At Greenbroad, we help couples reunite faster by taking the guesswork out of the forms and requirements. For a flat rate of $749, our team provides you with a complete, lawyer-reviewed application package, a personalized document checklist, and support every step of the way—from the first form to the final interview.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about NVC fees and the immigration process as of 2026. It is not legal advice. Immigration fees and policies are subject to change by the U.S. government. For complex cases or legal concerns, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
External Source: U.S. Department of State - Fees for Visa Services