K VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131

[pushbrk 12,547]

I think it's important to note that there is really no one "they" out there considering the total costs of fiance or spouse immigration. USCIS is a fee based, not tax supported agency. They set fees for their services without regard for what the Dept. of State sets as fees to process visa applications. Processing a K visa application is more complicated and time consuming than processing a B visa, so DOS is attempting to reflect that in new fees. We don't have to like it but it's important to understand the facts instead of railing against some non-existent "they".

[Moonandstar 6]

I think it's important to note that there is really no one "they" out there considering the total costs of fiance or spouse immigration. USCIS is a fee based, not tax supported agency. They set fees for their services without regard for what the Dept. of State sets as fees to process visa applications. Processing a K visa application is more complicated and time consuming than processing a B visa, so DOS is attempting to reflect that in new fees. We don't have to like it but it's important to understand the facts instead of railing against some non-existent "they".

Yes that's a good point, and i realize that, but my argument is to try to get them to start looking at the total cost, for immigration's sake.

You would think that tax dollars would be enough....

Edited January 6, 2010 by Moonandstar

[pushbrk 12,547]

Yes that's a good point, and i realize that, but my argument is to try to get them to start looking at the total cost, for immigration's sake.

You would think that tax dollars would be enough....

Again, there is no "they" to be looking at this. IMO, using tax dollars means all taxpayers are subsidizing the folks using the services of these agencies. I like the idea of paying my/your own way rather than relying on folks who aren't immigrating a fiance or spouse paying my/your way.

It costs what it costs and somebody is paying. Best it be the person receiving the benefit.

[kabhatti 2]

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/pr...e-increase.html

The full article:

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/hom...900006480a6a10b

What really pisses me off, is that from what i can see, for those of us that have already started this process- but not interviewed yet- we're havin a fast one pulled on us by DOS!

If i had known it was gonna be 167% more expensive come the interview, i would have just ###### myself and gotten married and done DCF!

#### THIS! Tell them this is bullshit, and if nothing else, allow those of us that already thought we would be coughing us $131 at interview the original price!

LET THEM KNOW THIS IS WRONG, and if this were a law that affected the average American's life IT would most certainly be given a grace period of some sort.

Refer to the first link for contact info. THIS APPLIES TO ALL EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES- NOT JUST CHINA.

I believe we have till mid February to complain and have our voices heard.

[kabhatti 2]

Ok all, bump this thread to the top by saying I just submitted my comments against the price increase. Can we hazard a guess that if and when we may see the increase if we're not successful?

[Moonandstar 6]

I forget where, but i think i read somewhere it will go into effect March 1.

[TwoInLove 0]

When does this go into effect? My fiance is in Juarez now for his medical! Visa appt tomorrow!!

[pushbrk 12,547]

When does this go into effect? My fiance is in Juarez now for his medical! Visa appt tomorrow!!

The post immediately before yours contains the answer. In short, there's no impact on you if interview is tomorrow.

[boisestate 0]

When is the visa fee paid? When packet 3 is returned to the embassy?

[Claire and Troy 2]

Ran across updated info while searching for updates on this issue...

Proposed Schedule of Fees

I'm guessing from what I've read this is a revised proposal thus extending the public opinion grace period out from 9th Feb, 2010?

[TerriandEric 4]

So from what I have read the new visa fee we would pay prior to interview is now going to be $350...so now it will costs my fiance & myself $700 as opposed to $300. Talk about a huge price increase!!

[K and L 27]

$700 instead of $300? I have no clue where you got those numbers. The only USCIS/DOS expenses for the K1 visa are the petition and the interview fees. The initial K1/I129F petition was $455. The interview fee has been $131, and sometime this year, it will become $350 (though it seems to be consulate dependent between now and the official notice, as the State Department has not officially increased the cost, and from the Brazilian IV consulate has told me, $131 is still valid for my interview date). Even if once it increases by $350, that's a $219 increase, not $400. So even if you were paying $300 between medical and the interview, it'd be $519 instead of $300, not $700.

[TerriandEric 4]

$700 instead of $300? I have no clue where you got those numbers. The only USCIS/DOS expenses for the K1 visa are the petition and the interview fees. The initial K1/I129F petition was $455. The interview fee has been $131, and sometime this year, it will become $350 (though it seems to be consulate dependent between now and the official notice, as the State Department has not officially increased the cost, and from the Brazilian IV consulate has told me, $131 is still valid for my interview date). Even if once it increases by $350, that's a $219 increase, not $400. So even if you were paying $300 between medical and the interview, it'd be $519 instead of $300, not $700.

The reason I said $700 is I was including my daughters visa fee as well as mine -- hence if the increase comes into effect it is in fact $700 for our visa fee!

[James&Candice 3]

So has the fee changed yet or is this still in proposal? does anyone know?

Edited March 2, 2010 by James&Candice

[garfield529 47]

The official ruling has not been announced, so the $131 is still in effect. The last time the fee was changed ($100 to $131), there was a brief grace-period of about one month before being implemented. So, if you are close to your interview date, then you might get by. However, the ruling has not been put into play yet and it has been almost a month since the expiration of the 60 day comment period.

So has the fee changed yet or is this still in proposal? does anyone know?