USCIS Fee increases and its affect on CR1 Visas

[Lance27 19]

I just went through the USCIS fee increases PDF file on their website and I was wondering if anyone here knows if this will have any effect on the fees processing IR1/CR1 visas? I know that the I-824 fee would increase from $200 to $340 after July 30 to get USCIS to transfer your approved I-130 over to NVC?

Anyother fee increases I should be looking out for? Would going the Cr1 route be cheaper than the AOS route after July 30?

I was planning on going the CR1 route before I read about these new fee increases but now its looking as though the cost would be about the same doing either route if you factor in travel costs back to Montreal.

[misa 2]

The only other fee increase I can think of for CR-1 would be the I-130 petition. I didn't really look over new fee schedule so I don't know how much the increase is.

I think CR-1 will always be cheaper than K3 + AOS.

Also, it can take a VERY long time for them to forward an approved I-130 to NVC after you file to have it forwarded. I know that Stacey33's husband filed for hers to be forwarded months ago and it still hasn't been.

Edited June 1, 2007 by misa

[mrsserendipity 0]

honestly, considering the total cost of everything else that needed to be done, the fee difference really wouldn't have mattered to us. there were so many other things that added up. plus, with these kinds of things you can't really pinch pennies, it's a huge deal. a little saved here could be added later in ... extra lawyer fees or a plane on time or other travel arrangements. best of luck. don't pick the rest of your life and your journey there based on a few numbers do what's right for you, the money will not matter after it's all over. just my opinion anyway

[Lance27 19]

I was doing the CR1 route even though it was more expensive than AOS because I was worried of getting stuck in the black hole called FBI namecheck. But now I find that it might cost the same if there is no fee increases doing the CR1 route. I just wanted to look and make sure there are no fee increases or else I will have to start saving up right now.

It wasnt the cost that we were worried about when we started this process. I have filed for both the K1 and the Cr1 visas.

honestly, considering the total cost of everything else that needed to be done, the fee difference really wouldn't have mattered to us. there were so many other things that added up. plus, with these kinds of things you can't really pinch pennies, it's a huge deal. a little saved here could be added later in ... extra lawyer fees or a plane on time or other travel arrangements. best of luck. don't pick the rest of your life and your journey there based on a few numbers do what's right for you, the money will not matter after it's all over. just my opinion anyway

[mrsserendipity 0]

it cost us a lot more than we thought. good idea saving some in case of unexpected fees. i kept forgetting montreal was long distance to call from windsor, too, hah, and each time was on hold for roughly half an hour

[neiks 19]

it cost us a lot more than we thought. good idea saving some in case of unexpected fees

I have also found it is costing way more than I thought. The original fees themselves didn't seem to steep but when you start factoring in all the other costs: photos, travel and accomodations in Montreal, medical fees, cost to travel to medical and then pick up results, cost and fees to get a new passport expadited, postage, etc. I'm just glad I was able to handle everything myself and didn't have to pay for a lawyer to screw things up too.

[MissStacey 1]

I'm lucky that I will be able to file the AOS before the price goes up in July.

I worry a little about the FBI name check, but I will be back in the US with Mel, so I guess it doesn't really matter if it takes a while.

Mel never seemed to concerned with the price increase, he said whatever we have to do and whatever we have to pay, we'll do it. I think he is secretly happy that we'll get it in before though.

[Lance27 19]

I'm lucky that I will be able to file the AOS before the price goes up in July.

I worry a little about the FBI name check, but I will be back in the US with Mel, so I guess it doesn't really matter if it takes a while.

Mel never seemed to concerned with the price increase, he said whatever we have to do and whatever we have to pay, we'll do it. I think he is secretly happy that we'll get it in before though.

Just curious... Would you have to file the I485, I765 and the biometrics fee before July 30?

Say I file the I485 before July 30 for $305 and then file the I131 after July30 would I end up paying $305(new fee) I765 $340 (New fee) and biometrics $70? or do you pay all 3 together at the time of doing your AOS I485?

I doubt I will have my interview before the new fees increase but Im just asking ... maybe it will help someone who does manage to get in their AOS before July 30

Anyone who has already gone through AOS please confirm?

Edited June 2, 2007 by Lance27

[MissStacey 1]

Now that I have my K3, I really need to do my homework on AOS. I tried to stay focused on the task at hand so I wouldn't feel too overwhelmed.

[misa 2]

Just curious... Would you have to file the I485, I765 and the biometrics fee before July 30?

Say I file the I485 before July 30 for $305 and then file the I131 after July30 would I end up paying $305(new fee) I765 $340 (New fee) and biometrics $70? or do you pay all 3 together at the time of doing your AOS I485?

I doubt I will have my interview before the new fees increase but Im just asking ... maybe it will help someone who does manage to get in their AOS before July 30

Anyone who has already gone through AOS please confirm?

The fees go up July 30, so if you file before they go up, you don't pay the increase.

If you file AOS before July 30th (you *have to* include the biometrics fee in there presently) and then decide to file EAD later (while AOS is pending), you'll have to pay the new fee for EAD. You're a K3 so you don't file for AP.

Edited June 3, 2007 by misa

[Lance27 19]

Awesome... sounds good... Thank you.

I am planning on going the Cr1 route but I still might consider the AOS. Im more worried about getting stuck in the FBI namecheck thingy for years than the increased $$$

Just curious... Would you have to file the I485, I765 and the biometrics fee before July 30?

Say I file the I485 before July 30 for $305 and then file the I131 after July30 would I end up paying $305(new fee) I765 $340 (New fee) and biometrics $70? or do you pay all 3 together at the time of doing your AOS I485?

I doubt I will have my interview before the new fees increase but Im just asking ... maybe it will help someone who does manage to get in their AOS before July 30

Anyone who has already gone through AOS please confirm?

The fees go up July 30, so if you file before they go up, you don't pay the increase.

If you file AOS before July 30th (you *have to* include the biometrics fee in there presently) and then decide to file EAD later (while AOS is pending), you'll have to pay the new fee for EAD. You're a K3 so you don't file for AP.

Edited June 3, 2007 by Lance27