Paying the DCF / I-130 Fee

[Lonney 0]

Recently on the 15th of August 2011 the method of filing an I-130 for a DCF changed. You can no longer file it in person at US consulate in your country (e.g. the one in Auckland here in NZ). It has to be sent to the Chicago Lockbox to be adjudicated and then sent to the US consulate in the relevant country..

We're planning on starting the DCF process in the next few weeks, so have been going over everything we need to do etc, and came across this issue of how to pay the fee?

The I-130 instructions state:

"The check (cheque to the rest of us ) or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States.."

Paying by US check would be the simple way, but the checkbook got left in the US as was no need to bring that at the time.. It's not clear if I can just goto the post office here in NZ and get a western union money order for example as it states the funds must be drawn from a US financial institution.

I have searched the forums, what some people have done is go the long way round and get friends/family in the US to send them money orders from USPS, only to send it all the way back... Seems silly!

L

[Tike 0]

I had the same problem some weeks ago when I found out I could no longer file in Helsinki. I had been in contact with the embassy over the summer but I wasn't aware of the fact that they planned to change the procedure (they didn't mention it at any time). I contacted the embassy on Aug 18 when I had all the necessary papers only to find out that I was 3 days late...Argh! Luckily my bank in Finland still writes checks in US dollars (the only one still doing that), however, all the check requirements listed on the USCIS website cannot be fulfilled (e.g. having my name and address printed on the check). I got a check and a statement from the bank explaining the situation so I hope it will be enough. I also contacted the embassy in Helsinki explaining the problem. They forwarded the info the the USCIS in London so hopefully they will be able to figure out some new method of payment in the future so that it will be easier for other people to pay their visa fees.

In my I-130 application I included the check and wrote that I have done everything according to the instructions given by the embassy in Helsinki. I got the NOA1 today via email so now I am just keeping my fingers crossed that everything will work out. How did you manage to solve this?

Recently on the 15th of August 2011 the method of filing an I-130 for a DCF changed. You can no longer file it in person at US consulate in your country (e.g. the one in Auckland here in NZ). It has to be sent to the Chicago Lockbox to be adjudicated and then sent to the US consulate in the relevant country..

We're planning on starting the DCF process in the next few weeks, so have been going over everything we need to do etc, and came across this issue of how to pay the fee?

The I-130 instructions state:

"The check (cheque to the rest of us ) or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States.."

Paying by US check would be the simple way, but the checkbook got left in the US as was no need to bring that at the time.. It's not clear if I can just goto the post office here in NZ and get a western union money order for example as it states the funds must be drawn from a US financial institution.

I have searched the forums, what some people have done is go the long way round and get friends/family in the US to send them money orders from USPS, only to send it all the way back... Seems silly!

L

[Jessica Dougan 0]

I too had the same problem. When I spoke to the USCIS they told me to get an international bank draft.

As a side note, my bank (Royal Bank of Canada)is actually backed by Chase out of NY. Go figure!

[Nolaist 2]

I was wondering what worked for you all as far as payment went? I'm filing from Turkey and don't have a US Bank account to draw from.