Paying K1 filing fees with Credit Card

[jstryker 41]

So I checked the USCIS website... and it states the following:

Paying Immigration Fees

Use the following guidance when paying filing, biometrics, or other fees to USCIS:

• Bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks (See Check Instructions below), and money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds.
• If you live in the United States or its territories, make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (not "USDHS" or "DHS").
• If you live outside the United States or its territories and you are filing your application or petition where you live:
  • Fees for applications and petitions filed at international offices are listed under the Forms section of this website.
  • Not all forms of payment are accepted abroad. See the website of the USCIS office where you wish to file or contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate for information on what forms of payment are accepted andhow to pay at your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

Credit Cards

USCIS accepts credit cards in all domestic Field Offices that accept payments. Accepted cards include Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover® Network.

So does this mean that to make a credit card payment - I just file my K1 with no payment inside... and make an INFOPASS appointment to go down and make the payment at the local field office?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

If you are filing I-129F inside USA, then you pay through Check or Money Order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

[russandraquel 86]

If it were me, I would use the money order option (moneygram is great, with free online tracking and locations everywhere). It looks to me like you can pay fees at a USCIS office, but I haven't heard of anyone doing that. What I have heard of are problems with one USCIS operation communicating with another one. Stuff like "Biometrics never scheduled by local office" or "The point of entry packet is not linked to your adjustment of status application, therefore you need to spend $400 on a new medical."

You will find that your process will be easier if you follow the herd here and do exactly as they do. Check out posters Greenbaum and Hank_ signature for links to everything you need to know. I followed their instructions and had my fiance (now wife) here in a little over three months.

[sfcscott 34]

If you are filing I-129F inside USA, then you pay through Check or Money Order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Merrythooth is correct and don't abbreviate U.S. Department of Homeland Security

[Merrytooth 5,748]

I think the OP sent in I-129F package without payment, thinking he can pay by credit card at his local USCIS office.

If that's true, the I-129F package will be rejected and sent back to you.

https://my.uscis.gov/helpcenter/article/what-if-i-forget-to-include-the-filing-fee-or-include-the-wrong-amount

I have only heard of N-400 Application for Naturalization can be paid by credit- card.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/fingerprints/pay-your-n-400-application-fee-your-credit-card

[Kat&Jon 86]

I believe they might be referring to when you pay the K-1 Visa Fee itself with regard to payment by credit card. The instructions for filing the petition state they need a check or money order, however when you get to the interview stage, and need to pay for the visa fee itself, which is $265 if I remember correctly, that can be paid online with a credit card.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

You cannot pay with a credit card. Do not mail off your I-129F petition(which is not a K-1 visa application) without payment, or it will be rejected.

Read and follow the I-129F form instructions >

What Is the Filing Fee?

The filing fee for a Form I-129F is $340.

There is no fee for Form I-129F petitions for classification of an alien as a spouse of a United States citizen.

Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-129F filing fee:

1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must
be payable in U.S. currency; and

2. Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS."

3. If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for instructions on the method of
payment.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

If it is a lack of funds issue, you can get a cash advance on the card and then use that to pay by check or money order.