Settle this dispute for me please!

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Ok so it's late here, my hubby and I were having this "discussion" and my brain seems to be stalled sooo...

When we initially sent in the I-130 of course, we paid the $355.00 fee and now, that we are at the NVC stage and we have to pay the $400.00 fee, I was curious so I took at look at the travel.state.gov website and see that the "immigrant visa fee" is ALSO $355.00 and the security enhancement fee is $45.00.

So settle this discussion for us please! JUST because those two fees are the same amount, that doesn't mean we already paid and don't have to pay at the NVC stage right?? I'm right on this, I just know it!

[S&ET 2]

Ok so it's late here, my hubby and I were having this "discussion" and my brain seems to be stalled sooo...

When we initially sent in the I-130 of course, we paid the $355.00 fee and now, that we are at the NVC stage and we have to pay the $400.00 fee, I was curious so I took at look at the travel.state.gov website and see that the "immigrant visa fee" is ALSO $355.00 and the security enhancement fee is $45.00.

So settle this discussion for us please! JUST because those two fees are the same amount, that doesn't mean we already paid and don't have to pay at the NVC stage right?? I'm right on this, I just know it!

To answer your question directly the two payments are two different things which you have payed is for USCIS $355.00, now you are NVC stage so which is a different process fee when you update your e-mail at NVC, with in five days you'll receive AOS bill for $70.00 and then when you submit DS-3032 you'll receive IV bill for $400.00 from NVC.

Yes, You only already paid for USCIS (I-130) $355.00

Now at NVC you'll need to pay AOS=$70.00 and IV=$400 If you like to pay online here is the link, Make sure you only pay when you receive a request for a payment Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center for I-864 Fee Bill and IV Fee Bill link.

Edited June 6, 2010 by S&ET

[Darnell 8,478]

fees -

I-130 submittal - 355

NVC - AOS - 70

NVC - IV - 400

Buying me 2 litres of laksa - 40...

HTH !

(maybe time to review? )

DS-230 - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3190.html

I-864 - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3730.html

General NVC stuff - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1335.html

[trailmix 77]

Ok so it's late here, my hubby and I were having this "discussion" and my brain seems to be stalled sooo...

When we initially sent in the I-130 of course, we paid the $355.00 fee and now, that we are at the NVC stage and we have to pay the $400.00 fee, I was curious so I took at look at the travel.state.gov website and see that the "immigrant visa fee" is ALSO $355.00 and the security enhancement fee is $45.00.

So settle this discussion for us please! JUST because those two fees are the same amount, that doesn't mean we already paid and don't have to pay at the NVC stage right?? I'm right on this, I just know it!

That's right, they are the same amount but separate - you pay NVC the 355.00 plus the 45.00 (and the 70.00).

Edited June 6, 2010 by trailmix

[Bleauwolf 9]

Ok so it's late here, my hubby and I were having this "discussion" and my brain seems to be stalled sooo...

When we initially sent in the I-130 of course, we paid the $355.00 fee and now, that we are at the NVC stage and we have to pay the $400.00 fee, I was curious so I took at look at the travel.state.gov website and see that the "immigrant visa fee" is ALSO $355.00 and the security enhancement fee is $45.00.

So settle this discussion for us please! JUST because those two fees are the same amount, that doesn't mean we already paid and don't have to pay at the NVC stage right?? I'm right on this, I just know it!

YES, you are right.

The first fee of $355 (paid to US Immigration) was the I-130 PETITIONER fee. (i.e. it is the fee for the US citizen to petition the US government for the foreign spouse / fiance / family member to come to the US).

The NVC (US State Department) fee of $400 is as you said: the IMMIGRANT VISA fee. (i.e. the immigrant is applying for a US visa).

The NVC (US State Department) fee of $70 is the PETITIONER fee for submitting AOS (Affidavit of Support). (i.e. the US Citizen must provide proof (I-864 / tax forms / assets etc) that they can financially afford to support the immigrant they have petitioned. Reason: they don't want the immigrant coming into the US and soon after becoming a ward of the state (simply put: they don't want the immigrant to come into the US and get on welfare).

In other words: the US citizen files a petition = fee / petition is approved / immigrant must file for a visa = different fee / petitioner must provide proof of financial support = another separate fee.

My Little Tangent

I also can understand your hubby's view... it's redundant (at least in my view it is). For instance: If the US citizen is petitioning a spouse to come to the US.... why in the world should the spouse have to apply for (and pay for) a visa separately? The I-130 and G325A forms already include everything needed. (The DS-230 Immigrant Visa application is basically a redundant form for all the information already submitted). But the fact is.... it's two separate things with two separate fees.

Furthermore, imagine the Affidavit of Support fee. That one really gets me too. You want me to provide you all my financial information.... and you want to charge me to do so too!! Yippie!!!!

There is simply only one sensible answer. It's a way for the US to collect money. All the fees are indeed totally separate. Unfortunately, there are no two-for-one deals with the US government.

Try not to squabble too much. This whole process provides enough stress as it is.

Best of Luck and Blessings,

~Bleauwolf

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Thanks everyone!! I *KNEW* I was correct, heck I've been reading, researching, pouring over any and all info I can get my hands on!

It wasn't a serious debate or anything, all in good fun - just a "oh yeah? well I'll bet you..." type of thing.

Now he owes me, I just haven't decided what yet lol!

But I appreciate everyone's answers.

[BigSigh 12]

Woo hoo! Go Sweetcheeksss!