USCIS has recently implemented a new immigrant visa fee of $165, to be paid by people who are entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa. An immigrant visa means that you are applying to enter the United States as a permanent resident, rather than on a temporary basis.

1. USCIS instructs that you should pay the fee after you receive the immigrant visa from the consulate, and before you leave for the United States.
2. Starting May 19^th, 2013, you can pay the immigrant visa fee via the ELIS system, which can be accessed here: http://goo.gl/G3YCu.
3. To pay the fee, you will need the following information:
   1. Your A number and the Department of State Case ID number
   2. You can pay using a debit or credit card, or you can pay using your bank account information (checking account number and the routing number for your bank)
   3. If you pay for a family member as well, you will need this information for them too.

After you enter the US, USCIS will confirm that you have paid the $165 immigrant visa fee. USCIS will not mail your green card until the fee is paid, so be sure to pay it as soon as possible after the immigrant visa is issued!