Forgot to include filing fee, really getting scared

[jordan21]

Hi everyone. So I submitted an I-485 for my wife a few weeks ago, and the very next day, we both realized that we had forgotten to include the check. We called uscis and they said it would not be a problem. They would send our packet back and we could resubmit with the check. That would be fine, except we have not yet received our forms back. I have called them and they just said to email lockbox support, which has also yet to get back to me. My wife’s student visa ends in six days and I am really worried about this getting resolved in time. If anyone has advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

[isambed]

Don't worry, just wait for the application package. This happened to me when I submitted my I-765 form for OPT. They just sent the application back to me. I was also worried but I was advised that it'll be okay. Did she complete her program? If yes, her F-1 Visa has a 60-day grace period.

[NYCgirlie]

Hi everyone. So I submitted an I-485 for my wife a few weeks ago, and the very next day, we both realized that we had forgotten to include the check. We called uscis and they said it would not be a problem. They would send our packet back and we could resubmit with the check. That would be fine, except we have not yet received our forms back. I have called them and they just said to email lockbox support, which has also yet to get back to me. My wife’s student visa ends in six days and I am really worried about this getting resolved in time. If anyone has advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

it will take 4 weeks to get your documents back.

[Enub4]

Hi everyone. So I submitted an I-485 for my wife a few weeks ago, and the very next day, we both realized that we had forgotten to include the check. We called uscis and they said it would not be a problem. They would send our packet back and we could resubmit with the check. That would be fine, except we have not yet received our forms back. I have called them and they just said to email lockbox support, which has also yet to get back to me. My wife’s student visa ends in six days and I am really worried about this getting resolved in time. If anyone has advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

If you are USC then it is not a big deal. If you are LPR with GC, then that could be a problem if the Student status ends before filing again.

Note: as a student, you can have an expired visa but still be in status. You can even travel to Mexico and Canada with an expired F1 visa and valid I-20 (less than 30 days) without issues.

Edit: see newacct's comment below

[newacct]

Hi everyone. So I submitted an I-485 for my wife a few weeks ago, and the very next day, we both realized that we had forgotten to include the check. We called uscis and they said it would not be a problem. They would send our packet back and we could resubmit with the check. That would be fine, except we have not yet received our forms back. I have called them and they just said to email lockbox support, which has also yet to get back to me. My wife’s student visa ends in six days and I am really worried about this getting resolved in time. If anyone has advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Are you a US citizen or permanent resident petitioning her, or are you immigrating and she is immigrating as your derivative beneficiary? What do you mean you wife's "student visa ends in six days"? US visas are solely for entry and don't matter if she is already inside the US. What matters is her status, and F1 status lasts indefinitely as long as she remains in good standing with her school program and has a valid I-20, and she remains in status for 60 days after completing her program.

[jordan21]

Hi everyone, thanks for your comments. To clarify, my wife's program finishes in five days, which will put her in the 60 day grace period (I was not aware of this). I am a US citizen petitioning for her. If there is anything else that seems unclear with my original post, please feel free to let me know!

Also, I recall reading something about an additional requirement that will begin later this month, which has to do with a new public charge rule. Can anyone comment on this for clarification?

[newacct]

Hi everyone, thanks for your comments. To clarify, my wife's program finishes in five days, which will put her in the 60 day grace period (I was not aware of this). I am a US citizen petitioning for her. If there is anything else that seems unclear with my original post, please feel free to let me know!

Also, I recall reading something about an additional requirement that will begin later this month, which has to do with a new public charge rule. Can anyone comment on this for clarification?

So your wife will remain in status for 60 days after the end of her program. And even after that, she remains eligible to file I-485 even though she would be out of status since she is in the Immediate Relative category.

A much bigger reason to file I-485 soon is to get it in before the new public charge rule takes effect. Applications postmarked before February 24 (which is a Monday, so you would probably have to mail it by Saturday February 22 at the latest) will be processed under the old rule. I think there is no point in waiting for the first packet to come back, and you should just send in another I-485 with the check ASAP to make sure it is postmarked before February 24.

[jordan21]

So your wife will remain in status for 60 days after the end of her program. And even after that, she remains eligible to file I-485 even though she would be out of status since she is in the Immediate Relative category.

A much bigger reason to file I-485 soon is to get it in before the new public charge rule takes effect. Applications postmarked before February 24 (which is a Monday, so you would probably have to mail it by Saturday February 22 at the latest) will be processed under the old rule. I think there is no point in waiting for the first packet to come back, and you should just send in another I-485 with the check ASAP to make sure it is postmarked before February 24.

What is wrong with the new public charge rule? Is it going to make a big difference? When I last called USCIS, I asked about filling out a new packet, and they told me not to, as it could "create a delay or issue with my application". Also if for whatever reason it takes USCIS more than 60 days to get her adjustment of status started, can she remain in the country or will she have to leave?

[NYC/She]

What is wrong with the new public charge rule? Is it going to make a big difference? When I last called USCIS, I asked about filling out a new packet, and they told me not to, as it could "create a delay or issue with my application". Also if for whatever reason it takes USCIS more than 60 days to get her adjustment of status started, can she remain in the country or will she have to leave?

On February 24, 2020 USCIS affect a new form I-864A. The form is only for people who do not have enough income. Uscis have about 3000 case every day. I will submit again and do not wait for an envelope. It’s a waist of time!

[newacct]

On February 24, 2020 USCIS affect a new form I-864A. The form is only for people who do not have enough income. Uscis have about 3000 case every day. I will submit again and do not wait for an envelope. It’s a waist of time!

I-864A is not new and there is no change to the content of the I-864/I-864A/I-864EZ forms, though the new edition of the form must be used after February 24. However, I-485 filed after February 24 will need to also file form I-944.

[NYC/She]

I-864A is not new and there is no change to the content of the I-864/I-864A/I-864EZ forms, though the new edition of the form must be used after February 24. However, I-485 filed after February 24 will need to also file form I-944.

Ok, thanks. I messed up with a form. Thanks.