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

[Roosha 51]

We're probably thinking the same thing.

[djricky4 67]

"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.

i wonder whats the implications @ POE if you didnt pay it before departing

[ik2011 2]

They collected $404 towards IV fees from some of us. I wonder if we get a waiver

[Roosha 51]

i wonder whats the implications @ POE if you didnt pay it before departing

"Failure to Pay

The applicant will not receive a green card until the required USCIS Immigrant fee is paid.

Failure to pay does not affect the lawful status of the applicant. While the applicant can use their Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record, for one year to document they are a lawful permanent resident, once that I-94 stamp expires, the applicant will need to possess a green card as evidence of their lawful permanent resident status."

[nonee1229 1]

hahahathats funny how we all have the same exact though

[florida4life 29]

Implementation 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.

[TBoneTX 45,663]

*** Topic moved from CR-1 Process to Immigration News & Discussion -- topic is of general interest and application. ***

[TBoneTX 45,663]

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to Immigration News & Discussion -- topic is of general interest and application. ***

[TBoneTX 45,663]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process to Immigration News & Discussion -- topic is of general interest and application. ***

[Lonelywithouthim 5]

I'm just glad this payment is being requested after you have actually received the VISA. I am still trying to understand of why we have to pay the fees for the visa before it's approved or why we don't receive a refund if the visa was not issued.

[bigdog 376]

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.

[Ryan H 3,818]

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

No, this has nothing to do with the Adjustment of Status process.

[srey 12]

not surprised.... USCIS always wants more money and takes forever to give you some service.....

[hamigirl710 112]

The DOS lowered their fee so the USCIS could charge too. That is how I see it and if it means getting my hubby here so be it!

[hamigirl710 112]

I'm just glad this payment is being requested after you have actually received the VISA. I am still trying to understand of why we have to pay the fees for the visa before it's approved or why we don't receive a refund if the visa was not issued.

Because you are paying them to consider you for a Visa and the fees are for their time and operating costs so you have somewhere to go to get an interview.