Paying fees

[scobut]

Hello,

I've searched the forum and read all the responses I can find and I'm still confused about paying fees.

I live in Canada, my spouse lives in the US. Can I pay the fees online? (all the fees at once?)

If so, which option do I choose? There is "Family Class" and there is "Spouse and Common Law Partner In Canada Class". I would assume that since she lives in the US that makes us applying from outside Canada? Or is it because I'm sending the application in from within Canada that it's within Canada?

If I can't pay them all online, do I send some to Buffalo or what? I don't know why this is so confusing...

Thanks for any help, it's really appreciated.

[mitamata]

Yes, you can pay the fees online. Preferably all at once to avoid delays later.

As for which class you're applying in: the 'In Canada' class is commonly refered to as an inland application. In that case, the application is sent to Vegreville and then usually transfered to a local CIC office. All the processing is done in Canada. It's meant for people who are already in Canada.
I'm assuming you're doing an outland process and will be sending your application to Mississauga, where it will then be transfered to Buffalo. If that is the case, choose to pay the fees under "Family Class".
Not that it matters that much though, the amounts are the same and even if you make a mistake, it should still be fine ;)

You should pay at least the first two fees now ($75 and $475). The Right of Permanent Residence Fee can be paid later - Buffalo will contact your wife when they're close to issuing a visa and ask her to pay it. She'll pay it and send the receipt to Buffalo and Mississauga.
But, again, that means a delay - if you pay the fees upfront, then Buffalo doesn't have to pause the processing to wait for you to pay the last fee and thus can finish up sooner.

I hope that clears up some confusion :)

[scobut]

Ok, awesome. Thanks for the quick response, I really appreciate it.

[rnbacchus]

I have a question as well:

I (Canadian citizen) am sponsoring my husband (US citizen) using the outland application.  This means our entire application first goes to Mississauga, ON and is then sent to Buffalo, NY once I am approved as a sponsor, correct?  So when the online payment service asks where we will be sending our application, should we be selecting Mississauga since that's where the application goes first?  There's also an option to choose Buffalo, NY so we just want to be sure.

Thank you!

[mitamata]

rnbacchus, you are sending your application to Mississauga, so that is the one you choose.

[toby]

I have heard that paying fees online doesn't always work. You pay, but don't get a receipt, and so must pay again, and ask for a refund -- which takes months to come.

So, order the receipt IMM xxx from Immigration, and pay at a Canadian bank.

[mitamata]

You know, I don't think I ever heard of that happening toby. Though I guess it's possible. We paid online just fine though, as do most people.

[toby]

I heard it from an immigration lawyer, Mitimata. Maybe only one try in 100's failed, but it was enough for him.

[Boncuk]

No I have hardly ever heard that.. Better to pay it online the pdf also gets sent to your email.. i dont see how you could not get a receipt :) I think that lawyer is perhaps a little old school.