I-129F check bounced... help?

[ori8 24]

Hi -- I wrote my check from the wrong bank account (thought I was writing it from bank 1, where I keep my money, but it was a check from bank 2, which I don't use but still have an account with). USCIS tried to cash it twice (yesterday and today) but I didn't get any notification from USCIS about it bouncing, so I had no time to go put money in that account. I'm a bit terrified that they'll send my application back and we'll have to wait another 3 months... 😭 I thought they were supposed to send you a mail notification if they can't cash it so that you have time to add funds, but they just tried it two days in a row. Is there anything I can do?

[NoMansLand2020 298]

7 minutes ago, ori8 said:

Hi -- I wrote my check from the wrong bank account (thought I was writing it from bank 1, where I keep my money, but it was a check from bank 2, which I don't use but still have an account with). USCIS tried to cash it twice (yesterday and today) but I didn't get any notification from USCIS about it bouncing, so I had no time to go put money in that account. I'm a bit terrified that they'll send my application back and we'll have to wait another 3 months... 😭 I thought they were supposed to send you a mail notification if they can't cash it so that you have time to add funds, but they just tried it two days in a row. Is there anything I can do?

I think you will receive a Rejection Notice and might have to pay a NSF fee. 

[ori8 24]

Just now, NoMansLand2020 said:

I think you will receive a Rejection Notice and might have to pay a NSF fee. 

I'm fine with paying fees, but do you think we'll have to go through the entire process from the beginning again at the lockbox? That's the part I'm worried about... 

[payxibka 10,047]

8 minutes ago, ori8 said:

Hi -- I wrote my check from the wrong bank account (thought I was writing it from bank 1, where I keep my money, but it was a check from bank 2, which I don't use but still have an account with). USCIS tried to cash it twice (yesterday and today) but I didn't get any notification from USCIS about it bouncing, so I had no time to go put money in that account. I'm a bit terrified that they'll send my application back and we'll have to wait another 3 months... 😭 I thought they were supposed to send you a mail notification if they can't cash it so that you have time to add funds, but they just tried it two days in a row. Is there anything I can do?

They try to deposit twice and then everything gets returned.  There is no suppose to send you a notification.....

[NoMansLand2020 298]

5 minutes ago, ori8 said:

I'm fine with paying fees, but do you think we'll have to go through the entire process from the beginning again at the lockbox? That's the part I'm worried about... 

I was worried about sending personal checks and used a money order. You might end up at the back of the line.. It would be similar to if you had forgotten to send payment. 

Edited March 6, 2021 by NoMansLand2020

[SalishSea 18,084]

1 hour ago, ori8 said:

Hi -- I wrote my check from the wrong bank account (thought I was writing it from bank 1, where I keep my money, but it was a check from bank 2, which I don't use but still have an account with). USCIS tried to cash it twice (yesterday and today) but I didn't get any notification from USCIS about it bouncing, so I had no time to go put money in that account. I'm a bit terrified that they'll send my application back and we'll have to wait another 3 months... 😭 I thought they were supposed to send you a mail notification if they can't cash it so that you have time to add funds, but they just tried it two days in a row. Is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately, they will return the petition to you, and you will have to refile with new payment.  They don't have the time (or inclination)  to chase after people for payment.

[payxibka 10,047]

1 hour ago, ori8 said:

I'm fine with paying fees, but do you think we'll have to go through the entire process from the beginning again at the lockbox? That's the part I'm worried about... 

Since your payment was declined you never completed a process.  Any resubmission is placed at the end of the queue.

[Chica79 15]

This is going to cause you more delays.  Whenever you make a mistake on your documents add 1-2 months to your processing time.

[ori8 24]

Just updating in case anyone ends up backreading this for a similar issue -- USCIS tried a third time this morning and my bank processed it as courtesy pay! So I think our original timeline is on track. I could cry from joy, lol. So it does seem like USCIS might try a third time in rapid succession if they feel like it.

[In4theJourney 171]

Wow they tried 3 times ? Must need cash lol. That’s awesome though congratulations, you’re on your way.