London K applicants to pay MRV fees through new system if interview 26th July+

[lost_at_sea 995]

Just noticed this tweet from the US Embassy in London. Likely to effect some folks soon...

https://twitter.com/usainukcgcorner/status/359334944503382016

K visa applicants with appointments on or after July 26 must pay the MRV application fee through the new information & appointment service.

Of course, they neglect to provide a handy URL to understand WHAT new system... but I found that for you:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=3162

It's unclear to me whether K applicants will be allowed to schedule their own appointments through the new system, too, once it's up and running. Would be nice if that's the case.

Edited July 22, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Vanitas 310]

Sounds interesting. Thank ye kindly Lost, let's hope this works as intended.. would be nice if we could do our own appointments, aye.

Re-edit: Silly ####### I am. Embassy and Consulate in Belfast, it says.. so yes, London as well!

Edited July 22, 2013 by Ryan&Amy

[lost_at_sea 995]

It just says "nonimmigrant" which would include K, but we know well enough that Ks are often treated in special ways.

[topoftherock2013 23]

I hope it doesn't mean a huge delay in interview slots being assigned...

[~*Amber*~ 4]

I wonder what happens if you already paid for the visa but your appointment is after like ours?

[lost_at_sea 995]

I wonder what happens if you already paid for the visa but your appointment is after like ours?

It'll be fine. I don't think they're actually turning off the option to pay over the phone (which I assume you did) anyway.

[Vanitas 310]

Well, there's a webchat on the 25th so we can ask any questions about it all. Should we compile some questions here and ask them, do you think?

[lost_at_sea 995]

Well, there's a webchat on the 25th so we can ask any questions about it all. Should we compile some questions here and ask them, do you think?

Could do. I think there's a way to pre-send in Qs as well.

[Vanitas 310]

Could do. I think there's a way to pre-send in Qs as well.

Yeah, either via Twitter or by posting in the comments section of the blog.

Also, here's the FAQs about the new system:

http://london.usembassy.gov/contactpage_faqs.html

[lost_at_sea 995]

Ah, so that FAQ answers the question:

I am applying for a K visa; will the change in call center affect me?

The Immigrant Visa Unit at the Embassy will continue to process your application and schedule the appointment; however, you will be required to pay the MRV application fee to the new call center prior to attending the Embassy for an interview. From July 26, you may pay the fee online by debit card via http://usvisa-info.com.

So yeah. Fee paying changes, interviews don't. Sorted.

It also answers Amber's question:

I have paid the MRV fee in connection with my K visa application prior to August 1; can I use this fee receipt?

Yes. The MRV fee receipt is valid for 12 months from the date of payment and may be used at any time during that 12 month period when applying for the K visa. You will be required to present the fee receipt on the day of the interview; therefore it is important that you keep the receipt in a safe place. If you are unable to present the fee receipt, you will be required to pay again. The fee receipt is non-transferrable and non-refundable.

Edited July 22, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

For some reason I doubt it will be something that lets K visas schedule their own appointments. Right now all the NI visas (which you know is the majority if you've been to an interview) can schedule and pay over the phone. I think this is just going to be a web based option to cut down their phone calls. The embassy lumps K visas with Immigrant visas for processing. It will be nice to pay for the K without additional cost per minute to do so.

Edit--I see the update that was posted while I was posting.

Edited July 22, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[lost_at_sea 995]

For some reason I doubt it will be something that lets K visas schedule their own appointments. Right now all the NI visas (which you know is the majority if you've been to an interview) can schedule and pay over the phone. I think this is just going to be a web based option to cut down their phone calls. The embassy lumps K visas with Immigrant visas for processing. It will be nice to pay for the K without additional cost per minute to do so.

The FAQ confirms it won't let Ks schedule themselves. So no real change there.

The change in payment is indeed good.

[UK-USA-K1 128]

Thanks for the links and information. This will be a lot better than having to call the pay line. Seemed kind of silly to pay them for the phone call so you can pay them the fee.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Extortion line is no more?!

https://twitter.com/USAinUKCGCorner/statuses/359571269429104640

London is upping their game.

[UK-USA-K1 128]

no more extortion line and the ability to pay online....this is the thread that just keeps on giving