When to pay fees?

[Stressed Out 81]

OK so I've been off of here for a looooong time now. But, we're slowly creeping up on the date that I should file for my husband's IR-1 visa.

I'll be doing DCF through Frankfurt and I was on their site trying to see if IR-1 visa applicants are also allowed to pay cash at the interview, but it says "all K visa applicants...K1,2,3,etc" and technically isn't the K-3 the same as IR/CR-1? In this case I don't know if this counts as a K application to them meaning I have to pay through a credit card site.

[Stressed Out 81]

*bump* ...c'mon I know it's an easy one, guys!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF Discussion.

[bendinlar 16]

Nope. K-3 is a non immigrant visa, and can't be filed via DCF. (As far as I know)

As far as when to pay, if it's like here in the Philippines, it's all payed at the embassy cashier. But I'm sure someone with better info will be able to tell you for sure.

[Stressed Out 81]

I thought K-3 used to be spousal visa. I know it's outdated by now for sure, but they seem to have not updated their site as it's still listed. Thanks, though!

[bendinlar 16]

Spousal, yes, but it's from back in the day when it-1/cr-1 took years. So they came up with this great idea and called it a k-3. Non immigrant, so some of the steps could be skipped, and you could be together sooner.

But the catch is that after the benificary gets here, they have to apply for adjustment of status to get perm. res, or be able to work(like a k-1), but they could leave the country, as the k-3 is a multiple entry. Or just wait for the I-130 to be processed in their home country and return for an interview there.

There was a post in the past few months about someone getting a k-3 approved, so it's still out there apparently, just a rare creature. But like I mentioned, can't be filed via DCF. The uscis field offices abroad take the I-130s, and some other forms, but not an I-129f, and you need both for a k-3. But with the speed at which a DCF filed ir-1/cr-1 goes through, why would you want to mess with dealing with the necessary adjustment of status with a k-3 anyway? And if the I-130 gets to nvc first, the I-129f gets closed, ending the k-3 route.

Hope that helps to clear it up a little.

[Stressed Out 81]

Aha, no one seemed to speak of the K-3 as a non-immigrant visa before. That makes perfect sense now, haha. So in that case this is in no way a K visa, which means I should be paying at the consulate cashier like most...thank youuu!

[awaywego 28]

I assume you're talking about the IR-1 visa fee ($230), not the I-130 petition fee ($420). The Packet IV/visa application instructions for Frankfurt (link to what they currently have online) say to bring payment on the interview day. You've probably already seen the page listing possible forms of payment, since that's where they talk about K visas paying early, but, just in case: here. Cash is on the list.

(We haven't applied yet, either, so someone please correct if wrong.)

[Stressed Out 81]

Ah so the I-130 has to be payed before?

[awaywego 28]

Ah so the I-130 has to be payed before?

Yes. That payment is sent in with the packet you assemble to support the I-130 petition. You can pay cash if you drop it off in person. (I believe you need an InfoPass appointment to do so.) More information and other payment options are in the "I-130 Petitions Checklist" PDF linked from this page: link

[Stressed Out 81]

Ugh so it's gonna be more expensive than I had thought, but then again you can't put a price tag on starting a new life! Thanks for the links, it really clears up the fog for me.

[awaywego 28]

From what I've gathered, the DCF process at Frankfurt goes like this:

I-130 packet: petition that relative be able to apply for visa

show that USC is eligible for DCF (6 mos German residency)

show that marriage is "bona fide" (discussion on evidence in many VJ threads)

$420 filing fee

NOA1 = petition received

NOA2 = petition approved = can apply for visa

DS-260 packet: application for visa

information about foreign spouse (police certificates, medical exam, etc.)

show that USC (possibly with joint sponsor) will take financial responsibility for applicant in the US (I-864)

request for interview

$230 filing fee

Interview with yes = visa packet comes in the mail

Interview with no = do whatever they say

Enter the US (within six months of the medical)

another fee, this time for visa packet processing and green card production: $135 paid online before entry on this site

Edited March 28, 2014 by awaywego

[bendinlar 16]

That last fee, the immigrant visa fee to USCIS is actually $165.

[Stressed Out 81]

Yeah it said so on the link.