NVC IR-2 process (filing abroad) - Some confusions (regarding fees and others)

[abum 324]

Hi.

Our petition for IR-2 have been transferred to NVC. We petitioned/filed from abroad and we are still abroad. Our petition has been approved by USCIS and is in NVC step now.

In the welcoming letter (PDF), the steps shown are as follows:
 

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Step 1: Choose an agent (please allow up to three (3) weeks for processing before continuing to Step 2)
Step 2: Pay fees online at ceac.state.gov (allow up to one (1) week for processing before continuing to Step 3)
Step 3: Submit visa application form online at ceac.state.gov
Step 4: Collect financial documents
Step 5: Collect supporting documents
Step 6: Submit financial and supporting documents in one package to NVC

1. I have filled out the DS 261 form online, submitted it, printed it out, got a copy in the email. Then a couple of days later, I called NVC, spoke to a representative and managed to do re-confirm the agent with them (this is the bit I was not sure of - I was told that by calling NVC, this agent assignment process can be sped up to 7 days - instead of 3 weeks)

2. So i just went ahead and repeat the agent i chose on DS 261 form. Is this understanding correct? (that calling NVC will speed up the process?)
Now here is the confusion. Since this is IR-2, and the beneficiary/person being petitioned for, will be a USC upon entry with I-551/LPR status, and we are filing abroad, i have been told that there is no Affidavit of Support fees needed to be paid. Is this the correct understanding? 
(the NVC rep that i spoke with repeatedly said i need to pay USD120 to progress my case at NVC - so just checking if he is correct)

Here are the links from NVC that I read which confuses me

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/collect-and-submit-forms-and-documents-to-the-nvc/establish-financial-support/i-864-affidavit-faqs.html

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Is there a fee for the Affidavit of Support forms?
Yes, there is a $120 fee per case for reviewing the Affidavit of Support (Forms I-864, I-864A, I-864W and/or I-864EZ) when the form(s) is (are) filed in the United States. There is only one fee charged, even if there are multiple financial sponsors associated with a single case. This fee is paid online at ceac.state.gov. The petitioner will need the NVC case number and Invoice Identification Number to log onto this site. See Immigrant Services - Other Fees.

Is there a fee to review the Affidavit of Support at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad?
No, when the Form I-130 petition and subsequent Affidavit of Support (AOS) form is filed outside the United States, a fee is not charged.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
 

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Other Fees
Affidavit of Support Review (only when reviewed domestically)
$120.00

 

3. And the next fee would be the visa application fee DS260 isn't it?  $325.  (well medical has also its fees but it is subjective to each country isn't it)?

 

 

[abum 324]

any takers?

[abum 324]

13 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

Although you are both overseas, unless you are filing using Direct Consular filing, the NVC in the US will be assessing and processing the AOS.... hence the fee as it is being reviewed domestically.. DCF goes straight to the overseas consulate hence not passing through the NVC. 

 

Are you filing for a spouse petition? 

 

Ah i see, so i still have to pay that USD120 then, since it is not DCF. 

 

No, it is for child of USC. IR-2 (Spouse is IR-1 isn't it)