So they don't have to pay the $550 first? If that's the case, there's nothing to lose. There could be a situation where they could miss out on something and actually approve your application isn't it?
If there are no consequences for trying, why not give it a shot? You have nothing to lose.
Just like TRV app $100 is collected, but this one has a very fast turnaround specially on online applications, there are some people got rejected within a week.