Must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States

[Lonca 0]

I'm self-petitioning I-140 under NIW, without a lawyer or employer, but maybe I can obtain just a money order via a lawyer while I'm over in the US for my brief visit.

I think I've exhausted all other options from the UK.

Worst case scenario I can hand over the entire petition to a lawyer, but that kind of doesn't feel right as I've done all the work but just can't pay USCIS. But if I don't get around the payment, then I'll just use this approach as last resort.

 

[Boiler 45,521]

Unusual for a lawyer not to be involved. I think the few I have seen have been people in the US so they would have had no issue

[Lonca 0]

Possibly, but for me, as long as the application falls within the parameters of the petition, and as long there is confidence pertaining to all the elements of the paperwork, then on balance the decision may be proceed sounds appropriate.

Thanks to everyone who's posted or had an interest in this thread! I'll no doubt reply here on the outcome and the experience, although it'll likely take some time!

All the best.

[appleblossom 2,537]

We were having the same quandary, but I have a business account with Starling, and it turns out they do US checking accounts for customers. Free for the first month then £5 per month thereafter. It might be worth checking to see if your bank does the same? I don't know if it will work or not yet as we're still waiting for our welcome letter to pay the fees, but it gives me a US account number and APH routing number, so I can't see why it wouldn't.

 

We also looked at other options like Wise/Revolut/AirWallex before I found I could open a US account with my current bank in just a few clicks, again I don't know if they would definitely work but it might be worth a try before you spend out on a flight over there?

 

Good luck.

Edited March 10, 2023 by appleblossom