Embarking on the journey of uniting with your foreign fiancé(e) in the U.S. is an exciting venture, but like any significant life event, it comes with its own set of expenses. The K-1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé visa, is a pathway filled with various costs, some apparent and others hidden beneath layers of bureaucracy. Navigating the K-1 visa cost can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the immigration system. However, with the right information and preparation, you can better anticipate and manage these costs, ensuring that financial surprises don’t hinder your path to reuniting with your loved one.
VisaNation Law Group’s immigration attorneys want to delve deep into the cost of the K-1 visa process, breaking down each cost and offering insights to help you budget and navigate this crucial phase of your romantic journey.
Speak to an immigration attorney today to learn about the K-1 visa cost and the vast world of family-based immigration.
How Much Does A K1 Visa Cost
The cost for a K-1 visa is $940, split between the filing of the K-1 Visa petition and the online nonimmigrant visa application fee.
- The K-1 Visa Petition Fee: $675.
- This is submitted in the mail using Form I-129F. This fee is paid using:
- A money order
- Personal check (payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- Cashier’s check (payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.)
- Or pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
- This is submitted in the mail using Form I-129F. This fee is paid using:
- The DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: $265
- This fee is paid to the U.S. State Department in the consular processing stage.
- Medical Examination: varies, typically $100-500
- Costs associated with scheduling a medical examination vary, depending on the medical provider and location, in addition to any tests or vaccines you are required to have.
- It is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
Important: Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action the government takes on your case.
Additional Costs of a K-1 Visa
- Translation Fees: If any supporting documents are not in English, they must be translated. Depending on the amount and complexity of the documents, translation services incur costs. The price is usually gauged per page of translation. $20 to $130 per page
- Document preparation: Making copies, scanning documents, and taking passport photos all require payment. Prices vary.
- Travel expenses: The K-1 visa process involves traveling to the nearest embassy or consulate, along with traveling to different places for document preparation
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Once the fiancé(e) is in the U.S., they’ll need to apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident and eventually a citizen. This process costs $1,440
- Attorney fees: Optional, and vary.
What is The K-1 Visa Income Requirement
- To sponsor a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, the U.S. citizen petitioner must generally earn at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which is $21,150
annually for a household of two in the 48 contiguous states. - This number is updated annually and can vary based on location (e.g., Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds).
- Don’t meet the income requirement? A K-1 joint sponsor (friend/family in the U.S. with sufficient income) can support you if you don’t meet the requirement.
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a K-1 Visa?
On average, attorney fees for the K1 visa typically range between $1,000 to $4,000. This visa category often requires expert guidance, and these fees reflect the legal expertise provided during the process.
Additional costs and fees can be unexpected and difficult to anticipate. The K-1 visa process involves various expenses, and understanding the full financial picture can be challenging. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises
Is a Fiancé Visa Hard to Get?
Obtaining a K-1 visa can be challenging due to its specific requirements and thorough scrutiny by the U.S. immigration authorities. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of arrival in the U.S. and provide substantial evidence of their relationship’s authenticity.
Factors such as incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in application details, or negative interview outcomes can result in denial. Thus, while not impossible to acquire, the K-1 visa process requires meticulous attention to detail and genuine intent.
Consulting with an immigration attorney is paramount when navigating the intricacies of U.S. immigration processes. Their expertise ensures that you meet all legal requirements, preventing common pitfalls that can lead to application denials or delays. With ever-evolving immigration laws and policies, having a team like VisaNation Law Group by your side guarantees that you remain informed and compliant.
How Long Does a K-1 Visa Take?
The processing time for a K-1 visa averages 5.7 months according to USCIS data, but can vary depending on appointment availability and processing speeds of the consulate or embassy handling your case.
K-1 Visa Timeline
- The process starts with the U.S. citizen submitting Form I-129F for their foreign fiancé(e), which takes 5.7 months to process according to USCIS data.
- USCIS checks this form, ensuring it meets all the criteria, especially proof of a real relationship.
- After the USCIS approves your I-129F petition, they forward your case to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. This process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
- At this stage, applicants receive case numbers, pay necessary fees, and provide specific documents.
- Your case is then transferred to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé’s home country for the medical exam and interview with a consular officer. The timing of this process varies depending on each country and consulate. Some countries face significant appointment backlogs, with interview appointments unavailable for six months, while others may have interviews scheduled within a few weeks.
- The officer decides to approve or deny the visa based on the interview and evidence.