Rejected I-485 Application.

[Msafiri]

My situation is kind of unique. I went through immigration court and applied for I-130 that was approved. After the immigration Judge closed my case, I sent I-485 form and payment ($1070+ 85) that was the cost at the time (2015). The payment was accepted, I had biometrics taken and my I-485 had been actively pending since. I've even had 3 EADs based on the pending I-485. I did not have to send any supporting documents. Fast forward 2019.
I finally sent the supporting documents and enclosed 2 receipts showing payment was received. Now my application was rejected and returned to me with a letter stating that I failed to include payment or not correct amount.
The payment has since gone up by $70 and I had asked some lawyers who said that the previous payment is all I needed.
I am not sure whether they want me to pay the whole amount or just the difference of $70. Also should I redo the whole application again? I see that they have stamps on the paperwork.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. I plan on calling them on Monday.

[celosia89]

Redo it again, I got received my application back with stamps, I sent again in old forms. And wait that They take your money from bank, it means they accept your application, right now total is 1225$. And you should read the instructions on Uscis website infos how to write the check

[Msafiri]

Thanks for your response. See the problem is that I had already paid for it in 2015 and they accepted and cashed my payment. The fee was $1070 and $85. I am not sure if they want me to pay the whole $1225 again or only $70.
This was not a new application, I was just sending supporting documents that I was not required to send in 2015.

[Enub4]

They requested those supporting documents (any RFE)? Maybe they were confused by the copies of the receipts or that you didn't include the supporting documents back in 2015?
This is the first time I read something like that.

[Msafiri]

No they didn't request the documents. The procedure in immigration court is to have the I-485 fee paid to TSC before the judge adjudicates or terminates the case. In my case he terminated the case so USCIS has jurisdiction. Now they want another payment even after including 2 receipts showing I paid them?

[celosia89]

No they didn't request the documents. The procedure in immigration court is to have the I-485 fee paid to TSC before the judge adjudicates or terminates the case. In my case he terminated the case so USCIS has jurisdiction. Now they want another payment even after including 2 receipts showing I paid them?

I just wrote 1 check for i485 and biometric 1225$

[JunkMart]

I understand what you are saying.

In 2015, you filed I-485 along with the fees at that time. USCIS accepted your application and cashed your check. Years later, after you sending in supporting documents, they sent you a rejection letter. Sounds like they made a mistake in rejecting you on the basis of incorrect or no payment, since you have receipts that you have already paid. Maybe the rejection was for another reason, like sending in the supporting documents past the RFE deadline, and they incorrectly stated the reason on your rejection letter. Either way, you're going to have to speak with USCIS and explain it face to face. Do you have an attorney who could help you?

[Msafiri]

It's getting frustrating because USCIS customer service is not helping me. I've call a lawyers for consultation but they can't schedule a consultation until end of the May. Now my medical paperwork will be outdated by then. It's frustrating that they are asking for payment and not explaining why they ignored my receipts showing I paid.

[Msafiri]

This is what DHS says.

"Please remember that when you submitted the copy of the basic I-485 application (without supporting documentation) and your fees to the USCIS Texas Service Center under the pre-order instructions that you were given in immigration court, you were not filing the application with USCIS for adjudication at that time. Instead, you were only taking the necessary preliminary steps to pay the fees and get a fee receipt before you actually filed the original I-485 with the immigration court. Now that your removal proceedings have been terminated, you must ensure that your I-485 is properly pending for adjudication with USCIS if you still wish to seek adjustment of status."

[celosia89]

This is what DHS says.

"Please remember that when you submitted the copy of the basic I-485 application (without supporting documentation) and your fees to the USCIS Texas Service Center under the pre-order instructions that you were given in immigration court, you were not filing the application with USCIS for adjudication at that time. Instead, you were only taking the necessary preliminary steps to pay the fees and get a fee receipt before you actually filed the original I-485 with the immigration court. Now that your removal proceedings have been terminated, you must ensure that your I-485 is properly pending for adjudication with USCIS if you still wish to seek adjustment of status."

What is your case? is that Refugee or married to USC?

[Msafiri]

Married to USC. I-130 was approved.

[celosia89]

Married to USC. I-130 was approved.

Im sorry, I have no idea about your case, I think you try to contact with good lawyer somehow they know how to help you. Best wish to you!

[Msafiri]

I found a lawyer who had a similar situation and was unable to use the fee receipts in lieu of payment. Meaning that there is a double payment for the same application.