Non-immigrant visa fees increase June 4th

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Yes, technically, until you hand in your application when you show up for your interview you haven't officially 'applied' because they don't have the K-1 application paperwork yet. It is one of the documents you self-deliver.

Which documents are you speaking of? I sent ALL my documents with P3. The only things I handed over at interview were my passport, proof of payment of visa fee (which I was told to pay when I got P4 and my interview date) and express post envelope. I didn't have to sign anything or do anything except have my prints taken.

I personally believe the "application day" will be the day you return all the P3 documents and have your interview set... if you're in countries like Aus where you do everything before the interview, including paying the fee at the post office. This might be a "country specific thing", at least until June 4th passes and then it won't matter when "application day" is.

[ScottThuy 140]

I think this: "Important Notice: New Nonimmigrant Application Fees: The Nonimmigrant visa application processing fees will increase on June 4, 2010 and will be tiered, as shown below. Applicants will have to pay the full fee in effect on the day they apply, regardless of when they pay." from the link means that if you APPLY for the visa before June 4th then you won't get the increase.

The interesting part is, what do they consider your "application day"? The day your file arrives at the Consulate? the petition NOA2 date? the day they receive P3 from you? or the day they send P4 to you? Guess someone will find out the hard way :S

"application day" is considered the day of the interview...

[Moonandstar 6]

It probably is the interview day- governments love their moneys, and i've heard of cases where even with consulates that have the applicant pay in advance, an applicant is given 'permission' to leave, pay the difference, and return while they're in the embassy on interview day.

[BlueTrap 0]

Yup -- I applied for K-1 on October 27, 2009 -- wayyyy before this fare hike was announced. Fiance's interview is scheduled June 14th in Mumbai. We received a call from the Consulate warning us of the fare hike, and telling us to bring a check for the full $350 amount (even though interview letter and Mumbai Consulate website still say $131).

We got royally screwed by the system, but, as my mom says, we are at their mercy and there is nothing we can do about it. I went the K-1 route because we wanted to be together ASAP, and it wasn't possibly for me to visit India for a few months to get a marriage license. Now, in hindsight, should have probably gone for the CR-1. MUCH less hassle and random fees ... but, also much less time with loved one ... ARGH!

[FrostyMist 1]

Yikes.

That's a lot.

I'm glad our K1 interview is over and done with.

[Darnell 8,478]

Yes, technically, until you hand in your application when you show up for your interview you haven't officially 'applied' because they don't have the K-1 application paperwork yet. It is one of the documents you self-deliver.

That's a functional dependency of each Embassy/Consulate, IMO. Some require the P3 documents to be sent in prior to interview day, others accept them on interview day. Some Embassies/Consulates take the payments directly, as well - others use intermediary process of 'pay at bank, bring receipt', with the 'pay at bank' timetick occuring between P3 receive by applicant to P4 received to 1 day before interview day.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

WOW..... ** that.

over a $200 hike? Really?

initial K1 now = $805

Joyful... glad I saw this thread. Was not expect that. yikes.