I130 Payment London Embassy

[lindons 0]

Hi,

 

We're about to file for the I130 with the London Embassy, but as of October 2016 they are no longer accepting credit cards. I've spoken to my bank (HSBC) and they don't do 'international bank drafts' in dollars and apparently that is standard for all UK banks because they now doing everything via electronic payments, which won't work for the Embassy. So, this leaves me with either getting a USPS money order or a US banker's check. Does anyone know if there's any way of getting either of these in the UK as we are not planning a trip to the US until we actually move? I've emailed the Embassy, but they haven't replied. Any thoughts or suggestions most welcome! Thanks!

[Thesmiths2016 117]

I'm in New Zealand and came across this issue. i was filing from Australia at the time but the same applies here.  I ended up having to put together my i-130 package, send it to my in-laws along with very clear instructions and the address to forward it to.  
They then wrote a check for us from their US bank account, put it in a USPS envelope along with what we sent them, and posted it off to USCIS for us.  

It's very difficult to find a payment option from abroad, I looked into every possible way, even western union etc isn't accepted.  Do you have someone in the US you trust to write you a check and post the package for you?

[lindons 0]

Thanks for your reply! It is difficult that's for sure. Unfortunately, my wife's parents are not an option, but we could potentially ask a friend though I was under the impression that personal checks were not accepted as per the Embassy's website - 'The ONLY acceptable forms of payment will be (1) U.S. Bank Cashier’s checks; (2) US Bank or U.S. Post Office money order; or (3) International bank draft in USD.' Did yours go through without any problem? 

[Thesmiths2016 117]

Hmm interesting wording. Yes ours went through no issue.  It was a check from a US bank account.  Perhaps your friend could get a US cashiers check though to be safe. Maybe they've changed it (we did ours back in March last year)

[lindons 0]

Ah, yes, I think it changed in October 2016. Think I'm going to have to send a friend to a post office for a money order. They don't make it easy, do they  Good luck!

[Ryan H 3,819]

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

[munchmunch 0]

hello! I was in your shoes just recently as my bank didn't do the drafts either. I opened up a Santander account (that took a couple days) and once it was all said and done I was able to get the draft on the same day as depositing the money. They do it right at the counter and print it out then and there for you! Good Luck!

[Thesmiths2016 117]

On 7 February 2017 at 11:35 PM, lindons said:

Ah, yes, I think it changed in October 2016. Think I'm going to have to send a friend to a post office for a money order. They don't make it easy, do they  Good luck!

They certainly don't make it easy. Hope you get it all sorted!

 

[lindons 0]

19 hours ago, munchmunch said:

hello! I was in your shoes just recently as my bank didn't do the drafts either. I opened up a Santander account (that took a couple days) and once it was all said and done I was able to get the draft on the same day as depositing the money. They do it right at the counter and print it out then and there for you! Good Luck!

Thanks so much for posting @munchmunch that really is so helpful to know. Hurrah!

[kenneme 2]

I had the same problem. I ended up having my mom (in the US) go to the post office and get the international money order for the correct amount, and then she just mailed it to us regular post - which seemed crazy but is what was recommended by the post office. It arrived 4 days later, and was cashed at the Embassy in London with our I-130 petition. 

[Sojourner 2]

Hello,

 

I am new to this process too! Where did you all get the information that you cannot pay with credit card anymore? I submitted the I-130 to the London Embassy a week ago an didn't see anywhere that credit cards are not allow. In fact, on the embassy website it still states credit cards as an option... Has anyone recently tried to pay by credit card and had any problems?

 

Thanks!!

[munchmunch 0]

The change just recently changed back, so credit cards are fine again.

 

I recently commented back on the other thread too letting you know that credit cards are ok to use again.

Edited April 5, 2017 by munchmunch

[Sojourner 2]

Great news! Thanks so much for the update