How Much Does a K1 Visa Cost?

When planning to bring your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States on a K1 visa, it’s essential to understand the various costs associated with the process. The total cost of a K1 visa can vary depending on factors such as your country of origin and the specific circumstances of your case. In this blog post, we’ll break down the main expenses you can expect when applying for a K1 fiancé(e) visa.

USCIS Filing Fees

The first set of costs you’ll encounter are the filing fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing your K1 visa petition:

1. Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): $535

This non-refundable fee is paid by the U.S. citizen sponsor when filing the initial petition to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States.

Department of State Fees

Once your I-129F petition is approved, your case will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for further processing. At this stage, your foreign fiancé(e) will be required to pay the following fees:

1. Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee (K1): $265
2. Affidavit of Support Fee (Form I-134): $120

These fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your fiancé(e) can schedule their visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

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Medical Examination Fees

Before attending the visa interview, your foreign fiancé(e) must undergo a medical examination conducted by a U.S. Department of State-authorized physician. The cost of this examination varies depending on the country and the specific physician but typically ranges from $100-$500.

Other Expenses

In addition to the USCIS and Department of State fees, there are other expenses you may incur during the K1 visa process:

1. Translation services: If any of your documents are not in English, you’ll need to obtain certified translations. Prices for translation services vary based on the length and complexity of the documents.
2. Passport fees: Your foreign fiancé(e) must have a valid passport to apply for the K1 visa. If they need to obtain or renew their passport, they’ll need to pay the associated fees.
3. Travel expenses: Your fiancé(e) will need to pay for travel to and from the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview, as well as airfare to the United States once their visa is approved.
4. Adjustment of status fees: After your fiancé(e) enters the United States and you get married, they’ll need to apply for adjustment of status to obtain a Green Card. This process involves additional fees, including the Form I-485 filing fee ($1,140) and the biometrics fee ($85).

Planning for K1 Visa Costs

It’s important to plan ahead and budget for the various costs associated with the K1 visa process. While the total cost may seem daunting, remember that these expenses are an investment in your future together. Be sure to research the specific fees and requirements for your country of origin and consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you have any questions or concerns.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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