Problem with USCIS Immgration Fee...

[Clair.S 5]

Due to fly out on monday and I'm trying to pay my $165 fee prior to entry. So I was almost finished setting up my account, typed in the security pin number they sent me via email and red letters came on the screen with a system error warning, my account had been locked and that I had to call USCIS to unlock it. The line I have to call is only open Monday to Friday... Any advice to a poor lady who thinks her head is about to explode?

...Going to go sob in the corner.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Pay after you arrive. Work on your move this weekend.

[Clair.S 5]

Pay after you arrive. Work on your move this weekend.

Thanks Nich-Nick, I just had a panic attack when it said on the form that it must be paid before travel :-)

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks Nich-Nick, I just had a panic attack when it said on the form that it must be paid before travel :-)

When this newish fee started, it was my understanding, from what USCIS wrote, that you won't get a greencard in the mail until it is paid. Just looked up on their site and they do say to pay it before travel, however down the page it says

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Failure to Pay

You will not receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) until you pay the required US$165 USCIS Immigrant Fee. Failure to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee does not affect your lawful permanent resident status, but it does affect when USCIS will be able to issue you a Green Card. You should pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee after you receive your immigrant visa package from the Department of State and before you depart for the United States.

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So to me, it is still saying you won't get the card until paid, but you will still have permanent resident status. A few days delay isn't worth letting your head explode. Sure, paying in advance of travel would be lovely, but you can't. So forget about it until next Wednesday or Thursday. Meanwhile you are going to be a US Permanent Resident on Monday. Yay!!

Edited July 19, 2014 by Nich-Nick