I-129F Delivered Sooner Than Expected

[B&L 19]

So we mailed our petition off on the 15th, USPS says it was delivered on the 17th. Now, normally I'd be fine with this because anything going quickly during this process is more than welcomed. The issue, however, is that I sent some money to my fiance via Paypal to help cover some of the filing fee. We didn't realise that PayPal has a 3-5 business day waiting period on transferring funds to a bank account. Our worry is that USCIS will attempt to cash the check before the PayPal money goes in, leaving us with an insufficient amount.

I was just wondering if anyone knew how soon they attempt to cash a check after the packet arrives at the lockbox, and what happens if there isn't enough in the person's account when they do try.

Thanks.

[Brc 14]

So we mailed our petition off on the 15th, USPS says it was delivered on the 17th. Now, normally I'd be fine with this because anything going quickly during this process is more than welcomed. The issue, however, is that I sent some money to my fiance via Paypal to help cover some of the filing fee. We didn't realise that PayPal has a 3-5 business day waiting period on transferring funds to a bank account. Our worry is that USCIS will attempt to cash the check before the PayPal money goes in, leaving us with an insufficient amount.

I was just wondering if anyone knew how soon they attempt to cash a check after the packet arrives at the lockbox, and what happens if there isn't enough in the person's account when they do try.

Thanks.

I know only that my petition was received Feb 8, and check was cashed Feb 13. No idea if that is standard.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

If the check bounces, they will send your package back to you. Can your fiance call his bank and get a short term overdraft fee?

[Sweettea8687 4]

I just mailed my packet on Feb 13 and it arrived there on the 14th. The USCIS still hasn't cashed my check yet.

[B&L 19]

I think we should be alright, we're borrowing money from a friend until Paypal goes through. Providing they didn't attempt to cash it today (Sunday) the day of delivery, and assuming they don't work on Monday because of the holiday.

[Brc 14]

I think you should be ok. I don't know banking practices well, but at least mine never does business on the weekend or holidays. If yours is the same, the timing should work out.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I think we should be alright, we're borrowing money from a friend until Paypal goes through. Providing they didn't attempt to cash it today (Sunday) the day of delivery, and assuming they don't work on Monday because of the holiday.

If the deposit is made in cash, first thing Monday morning and you asked to have the funds posted immediately to the account the check was drawn on, you might be okay. The USCIS converts all checks to EFT's, and those are posted for processing instantaneously.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3850a99ba78af110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Edited February 18, 2013 by The Patriot

[Brc 14]

From the uscis

Electronic Deposit of Checks – If you are paying your fees by check to the cashier, we will convert your check into an electronic fund transfer. When you hand your signed check to the cashier, we will scan your check and retain it. We will then use the account information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer from your checking account for the amount of the check.

Insufficient Funds – Please note that the electronic fund transfer from your account can occur faster than normal processing of a paper check. If we cannot complete the electronic fund transfer because your account has insufficient funds, we will try to make the transfer up to two more times. If your account still lacks sufficient funds, you will be billed the original check amount and a one-time administrative fee by USCIS.

[B&L 19]

So does that mean it's already too late because it was delivered and I assume collected (Because it went from "Notice Left" to Delivered" on USPS Tracking)?

We're putting the borrowed money in tonight, Sunday, so will it be okay?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

So does that mean it's already too late because it was delivered and I assume collected (Because it went from "Notice Left" to Delivered" on USPS Tracking)?

We're putting the borrowed money in tonight, Sunday, so will it be okay?

Probably. Did you do an electronic transfer? It depends how long those take to process, and what your banks funds available policy is. ATM deposits are usually not posted until later in afternoon the following banking day, for deposits made while the bank is closed.

The mail being delivered to the lockbox, is just that, a secure place to deposit the mail until the Lockbox Facility is ready to collect the mail for processing. When you get the acceptance email/text from the USCIS, chances are your check will be processed soon after.

[B&L 19]

Probably. Did you do an electronic transfer? It depends how long those take to process, and what your banks funds available policy is. ATM deposits are usually not posted until later in afternoon the following banking day, for deposits made while the bank is closed.

The mail being delivered to the lockbox, is just that, a secure place to deposit the mail until the Lockbox Facility is ready to collect the mail for processing. When you get the acceptance email/text from the USCIS, chances are your check will be processed soon after.

Isn't the email/text from the USCIS the NOA1? Unless they send one for simply collecting it from the lockbox too?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Isn't the email/text from the USCIS the NOA1? Unless they send one for simply collecting it from the lockbox too?

Did you send in the G-1145? http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf

The NOA #1 is a hardcopy you will receive in the mail.

Edited February 18, 2013 by The Patriot

[B&L 19]

Did you send in the G-1145? http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf

The NOA #1 is a hardcopy you will receive in the mail.

Yeah we sent that. I just didn't realise the email/text was for them receiving the petition, I always thought it was just an E-Notification of NOA1.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yeah we sent that. I just didn't realise the email/text was for them receiving the petition, I always thought it was just an E-Notification of NOA1.

More, or less. The hardcopy makes it official.

[B&L 19]

More, or less. The hardcopy makes it official.

So we should get the e-Notification before they even attempt to cash the check? Meaning they probably won't attempt to cash it until the earliest of Tuesday? So we should be okay as long as we get the money in the account tonight/tomorrow?