USCIS Notice of Implementation of Immigrant Visa DHS Domestic Processing Fee Effective 02/01/2013

[pachacuti 154]

I thought about that. I hope you are right.

Mark

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

It's only for immigrant visas, and is meant to compensate USCIS for the cost of processing immigrants into the US. As it stands now, Department of State collects the visa fees, and then USCIS collects nothing for processing the new immigrant into the US, recording them as permanent residents, and issuing their green cards. Some bean counter at DHS apparently told the budget department that they were spending money on this, and they could rightfully demand to be reimbursed by the immigrant under the law.

Those of you applying for immigrant visas can consider this $165 fee to be your equivalent to the adjustment of status fee that K1 visa holders pay. The part that sucks about it is that you'll have to pay the fee online before departing for the US.

[Blackshine 3]

mplementation of New USCIS Immigrant Fee Feb. 1

New fee allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas after individuals receive their visa packages from the Department of State abroad

WASHINGTON—On Feb. 1, 2013,U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting a new USCIS Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States. This new fee was established in USCIS’s final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions announced on Sept. 24, 2010.

USCIS has worked closely with the Department of State (DOS) to implement the new fee which allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas in the United States after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from DOS. This includes staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card. The implementation of this new fee is further detailed in a Federal Register notice scheduled for publication tomorrow.

In order to simplify and centralize the payment process, applicants will pay online through the USCIS website after they receive their visa package from DOS and before they depart for the United States. DOS will provide applicants with specific information on how to submit payment when they attend their consular interview. The new fee is in addition to fees charged by DOS associated with an individual’s immigrant visa application.

USCIS processes approximately 36,000 immigrant visa packages each month. Prospective adoptive parents whose child will enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague processes are exempt from the new fee.

For more information visit our USCIS Immigrant Fee webpage.

For general information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

[velrich 50]

Does this mean $88+$230+$165?

If that is so then it made no sense to have reduced the IV fee to $230.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Does this mean $88+$230+$165?

If that is so then it made no sense to have reduced the IV fee to $230.

The $165 fee is being imposed by USCIS, the fees of $88 and $230 are fees imposed by the State Department.

[Pinkrlion 2,705]

Does this mean $88+$230+$165?

If that is so then it made no sense to have reduced the IV fee to $230.

That means for K-1, 240 + 165. But I don't see why you go online to pay one, but the same for the other.

[Ryan H 3,812]

That means for K-1, 240 + 165. But I don't see why you go online to pay one, but the same for the other.

The $165 fee only applies to immigrant visa holders. Since the K1 visa is a non-immigrant visa requiring adjustment of status, this fee that is the subject of this thread will not have to be paid by K1 visa holders.

[Blackshine 3]

That means for K-1, 240 + 165. But I don't see why you go online to pay one, but the same for the other.

This is how i view it. Consulate approved your IR1/CRI

You pick visa up, When you reach foreign you you pay or pay online

[florida4life 29]

So starting February 1 2013 we have to pay an additional $165 dollars for the immigrant visa so now we will have to pay 2 seperate fees. I just read this on USCIS WEBSITE. So more money we got to dispense out for our love ones.

Edited December 13, 2012 by florida4life

[velrich 50]

The $165 fee only applies to immigrant visa holders. Since the K1 visa is a non-immigrant visa requiring adjustment of status, this fee that is the subject of this thread will not have to be paid by K1 visa holders.

I wonder if the K-1 will have to pay it when they are doing the Adjustment of Status.

Its kinda seems logical that way since they are still 'foreigners' and it includes the cost to produce and deliver the permanent resident card.

[Roosha 51]

Where? Where did you read this? Can you give a link please?

[bsd058 296]

Where? Where did you read this? Can you give a link please?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/404368-new-fee-for-immigrant-visa/

But it's not for the immigrant visa like the OP says. It's for the green card itself. You'll still get the visa and become a permanent resident when you enter the US, but you won't get the official green card in the mail (which is needed).

I consider this bait and switch.

You think you have all of the expenses worked out and saved up for, then you start the process and they increase those fees.

Edited December 13, 2012 by bsd058

[Roosha 51]

No comment. I'm going to get into serious trouble if I do.

[bsd058 296]

No comment. I'm going to get into serious trouble if I do.

We're probably thinking the same thing.

[Roosha 51]

This is how i view it. Consulate approved your IR1/CRI

You pick visa up, When you reach foreign you you pay or pay online

"Applicants must pay this fee online through the USCIS website. Applicants should submit payments after they receive their visa package from DOS and before they depart for the United States."

Meaning after you get visa in hand, but before you actually leave your home country, you go online and pay the fee.