How to Make Green Card Fee Payments Through CEAC
Understanding Green Card Fees
Green card fee payment starts after the National Visa Center sends your Welcome Letter. The letter gives access details for your case.
You then use the Consular Electronic Application Center, called CEAC. CEAC shows the fees linked to your immigrant visa case.
Your sponsor, visa class, and case type may change the amount due. Check your case record before starting any online fee payment.
The phrase us visa fee payment covers many visa types. This guide focuses on immigrant visa cases for green cards.
Use the fee list in your own case. Do not rely on a fee amount from another applicant.
Types of Fees You May Need to Pay

Most family-based cases show two main charges. The first is the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee.
The second is the Affidavit of Support Fee. This charge covers review of the sponsor’s financial support form.
Each visa applicant may have a separate processing fee. CEAC will show whether the support fee applies to your case.
| Fee | What it covers | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee | Review of the visa application | CEAC fee page |
| Affidavit of Support Fee | Review of the sponsor’s support form | CEAC fee page |
| Medical exam fee | Exam by an approved doctor | Approved doctor |
| USCIS immigrant fee | Green card production after approval | USCIS payment page |
Medical exam costs do not go through CEAC. Translation and delivery costs also sit outside this payment step.
The USCIS immigrant fee usually comes after visa approval. It is separate from the main immigrant visa fee payment.
Some applicants search for ds 260 fee payment. Form DS-260 has no separate charge for each page.
CEAC shows the related visa fee before or during the form process. Do not pay the Affidavit of Support Fee unless your case lists it.
How to Make the Payment in CEAC

Start with your NVC Welcome Letter. Keep your case number and invoice ID close by.
Open the official CEAC immigrant visa portal. Check the case name before entering bank details.
You need a U.S. bank account for this payment method. Keep the routing number and account number ready.
The U.S. Department of State explains the wider immigrant visa process. Use your CEAC case page for the exact payment task.
- Open your case. Sign in with the case number and invoice ID.
- Review the fees. Confirm each amount and applicant name.
- Choose one fee. Start with the fee CEAC makes available.
- Enter bank details. Add the account and routing numbers with care.
- Submit the payment. Save the confirmation page at once.
- Pay the next fee. Wait until CEAC allows the next payment.
CEAC processes the fees one at a time. It cannot process both listed fees at once.
Searches for us visa fee payment online may lead to third-party sites. Use CEAC for this case.
Common Payment Issues and Delays

A fee may not show as processed at once. NVC may need up to 10 days to update the payment status.
Further case steps can stay locked during that wait. This delay does not always mean the payment failed.
Do not submit a second payment because the status looks slow. First check your bank account and CEAC record.
- Wait up to 10 days for the status to update
- Check for a pending or returned bank charge
- Confirm the case number and invoice ID
- Check that the applicant name matches
- Do not pay again before checking the first attempt
- Review the fee payment deadline in your case notices
Wrong bank details can cause a failed payment. The account must support the method shown by CEAC.
Keep enough money in the account until the charge clears. A returned payment may delay your case further.
If the record stays unchanged after 10 days, follow the contact steps in your Welcome Letter. Give your case number and payment details.
Understanding Your Payment Receipt
After you submit a fee, save the confirmation page. It may serve as your first visa fee payment receipt.
Also save your bank record. The record can show the date, amount, and payment status.
Some people search for a payment receipt sample. A sample can show the details you may see.
Still, your own CEAC confirmation is the record that matters. Do not use a sample as proof of payment.
Save each record in two places. A secure drive and a printed copy can help during later case steps.
- CEAC confirmation page
- Bank payment record
- Case number and invoice ID
- Date and amount paid
- Any message about a failed or returned payment
What to Do After Payment
Wait for CEAC to show the payment as processed. NVC can take up to 10 days before the next case step opens.
Once the status changes, sign in again. Check which forms or document tasks are now available.
Do not upload proof from a different case. Match every document to the applicant and case number shown in CEAC.
Keep watching your case for new notices. A paid fee does not by itself complete the visa process.
Follow the next task shown by CEAC. This may include the DS-260 form, civil records, or sponsor documents.
If your case has a stated deadline, plan payment well before that date. Bank delays and returned payments can add more time.
For the nvc fee payment, the safest path is clear. Use the official CEAC page, pay only listed charges, and keep every record.
Frequently asked questions
What does ACH stand for in ACH automatic payments?
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. It is the U.S. system that moves electronic payments between bank accounts.
Are ACH payments automatic deposits or withdrawals?
They can be either. ACH direct deposit is a credit, and ACH automatic withdrawal is a debit that pulls money from an account.
How long does automatic payment processing take with ACH?
Standard ACH processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Same-Day ACH may be available for urgent payments, depending on your setup.
What are the main benefits of recurring ACH payments?
Recurring ACH payments reduce manual work and make cash flow more predictable. They can also improve customer payment experience through convenience.
What are common challenges when using ACH payments for bills or subscriptions?
The biggest challenges are timing and handling returns when accounts fail. You also need solid payment authorization and accurate account data.
How much do ACH automatic payment services typically cost?
ACH fees often average about $0.05 to $5 per transaction. Pricing depends on your provider, volume, and payment mix.