Sending IV/AOS package before paying both fees

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

Hi guys I hope I'm posting this at the right place... I had a question regarding the IV and AOS packages... I see some people are sending both packages right after paying IV fee and before AOS fee, is that ok to do? I can send those packages early? I read in the guides to send the packages once both fees are paid?

[BellaRose_09 13]

Hello,

Have you already submitted the DS-261?

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

I haven't submitted anything yet I just wanted to start preparing ...

Whoops I meant say after paying AOS fee and before IV fee ...

[BellaRose_09 13]

I have personally seen many people on this website who have already payed the AOS fee and sent in there package. During the process of documents review they paid the IV fee and then completed the DS 260. My advice will be to first fill out the DS 261 and pay the AOS fee, once done, feel free to send all required documents. Hope this helps.

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

Sending those packages early in any way speed up the process?

[BellaRose_09 13]

It's sort of a double edge sword. Your better safe paying the AOS fee first and submitting the DS 261 before sending.

[ArroTG 22]

In order to send your packages in, you need the bar coded sheet that you get after your fees have been marked as PAID on the payment portal. There is a bar coded sheet generated for the AOS and the IV, but they are the same. As soon as your AOS fee is paid, you can take that sheet and put it with both your AOS and IV packages and send them off.

Just keep in mind that it takes up to 30 days for your DS-261 to be reviewed, and your IV fee to be invoiced. Currently cases are being approved in as little as 16 (wow!) days, and the NVC operators are stating 30 days until your case gets reviewed, so if you're going to submit your packages early you need to be on top of getting your DS-261 reviewed so you can pay the IV and fill out the DS-260, or else you might get a checklist for the fee/form.

Hope this helps!

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

Thanks for both of you replies ... Another question what do u mean by getting ds261 reviewed? Is that something I need to call them up to get it reviewed?

[NikLR 13,227]

A checklist for the IV fee or DS-260 is irrelevant. It does not slow down the process in any way, shape, or form.

A checklist for a mistake on the I-864 or with the civil documents does slow down the process.

Yes you can send the AOS and IV packages after paying the AOS fee. As the one poster mentioned, you want the bar coded cover sheet. Sometimes you'll get it in an email as a "document cover sheet" which you can also use to send the documentation.

Thanks for both of you replies ... Another question what do u mean by getting ds261 reviewed? Is that something I need to call them up to get it reviewed?

When the DS-261 Online choice of agent form is reviewed and added to your case, then the IV bill becomes available to pay. You can either wait for this to happen or call the NVC to ask them to review it, which they may or may not do. It takes about 15-30 days for that to be added and the IV invoice to become available.

[ArroTG 22]

A checklist for the IV fee or DS-260 is irrelevant. It does not slow down the process in any way, shape, or form.

Oh, wow. I had no idea. I assumed that a checklist was a checklist, and that the countdown would reset. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I feel relieved for my own situation now! Haha.

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

So when u guys got the cover sheet for AOS fee u just took a copy of that to attach to IV package too right? Also how did u guys know when the ds261 n AOS fee was available? When I called nvc today they said received mine from uscis on 4/27 and they will notify me when a case number becomes available? Is that so? Or should I be calling them? Thanks guys for all the replies

[j&ana 363]

When your case is at NVC you will do a lot more calling. They will tell you they will notify you with case number after a couple of weeks call them to get case number. they will tell you it takes 42 days to have the ds-261 review. Again call them and have them do that over the phone. If the NVC ever tell you to wait for notification after a while you need to call if not you will be waiting a long time

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

So they really have case numbers assigned but just don't send in a notification till later on?

[NikLR 13,227]

when you have a case number assigned they will send an email. But this email may not arrive or be sent exactly when the case numbers are assigned so you can call to find out. It is best at this stage to call for the chance that they do NOT have an email on file for you, in which case they will be sending the information via postal mail.

[RF_COK/JFK 7]

Hey guys I just got the case number by mail but no ds261 or aos Bill... Thanks for the help guys... This is probably a dumb question but what's the difference between federal income tax returns vs irs tax transcript? What is proof of assets? For evidence of income what should I have in bank account? Is there a minimum amount that's needed?