A K-1 visa, also called a fiancé(e) visa, allows a foreign national engaged to a United States citizen to lawfully enter the U.S. under certain conditions. Obtaining a K-1 visa currently costs $800 in government filing and processing fees. However, several other expenses are associated with the K-1 visa application process and becoming a lawful permanent resident.
In this article, we discuss the ins and outs of a fiancé(e) visa cost, including mandatory fees as well as other potential costs that may arise when you apply for one.
What is a K-1 visa?
A K-1 nonimmigrant visa allows a foreign citizen engaged to a U.S. citizen to gain lawful entry into the country to marry their fiancé(e). A K-1 visa holder must marry their fiancé(e) within 90 days of their arrival date in the U.S.
K-1 visa cost summary
The current minimum K-1 visa cost is $800 in mandatory government filing and processing fees. However, after considering other charges related to the K-1 visa process, the total cost is often greater than this.
Mandatory K-1 visa fees
There are two mandatory fees when seeking a K-1 visa.
- Filing fee: The first step in obtaining a K-1 fiancé(e) visa is filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). The U.S. citizen sponsor must file this with their local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. The filing fee for the Form I-129F is currently $535.
- Processing fee: After filing the petition, the fiancé(e) of the U.S. citizen sponsor may take steps to apply for a K-1 visa. To do so, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. The processing fee for K-1 fiancé(e) visa applications is currently $265.
In sum, between Form I-129F and Form DS-160, you currently pay $800 in initial filing and processing fees.
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Get startedOther potential K-1 (fiancé(e)) visa fees
In addition to the fees for filing and processing your petition and your fiancé(e)’s visa application, other costs frequently arise throughout the process of getting a K-1 visa.
Document costs
During the K-1 visa application process, the foreign-citizen applicant needs to attend a visa interview and bring certain required documentation such as:
- A valid passport for travel to the U.S.
- A birth certificate
- Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouses, if applicable
- Police certificates from the applicant’s home country and any other countries where the foreign applicant has lived for at least six months since the age of 16
- Two qualifying two-by-two inch photographs
If the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) doesn’t have these documents readily available, they may need to pay to obtain them. The cost of doing so ultimately depends on the type of document and the fees charged by the party providing the requested materials.
Translation costs
Any document submitted as part of the petition or application that includes information in a foreign language must have a full English translation. These translations must include a certification signed by the translator affirming that they’re competent to translate the foreign document to English and that the English translation is complete and accurate
Translation services often charge per page or per word, though specific fees vary.
Notary costs
Some documents may require notarization before a Notary Public. Examples include certain medical records, court or police records, and certified translations.
Notary services frequently charge per notary stamp required, but costs may vary depending on location and the number of documents that you need notarized.
Medical examination and vaccination fees
As part of the K-1 visa application and interview process, applicants must schedule and complete a medical examination. An authorized panel physician must perform this medical examination, the cost of which varies depending on the provider and location where the applicant is applying for the visa.
Additionally, while not required for obtaining a K-1 visa, applicants are encouraged to get all vaccinations necessary under U.S. immigration law for immigrant visa applicants. This is because such vaccinations are required to adjust your status from a K-1 visa holder to that of a legal permanent resident after you marry your U.S. citizen sponsor. As with medical examination costs, applicable vaccination fees vary by location and provider.
Adjustment of status
After you receive your K-1 visa, you may lawfully enter the U.S. and must marry your U.S. citizen sponsor/fiancé(e) within 90 days of entry. After that, you must file a separate application to obtain lawful permanent resident status and remain in the U.S. While not technically a part of the K-1 visa application process, this is nevertheless an important step most K-1 visa holders take.
To do so, you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. This form comes with an application fee, which is currently $1,140 for individuals 14 years of age or older.
Biometric fee
When submitting Form I-485, applicants between the ages of 14 and 78 must also pay a biometric services fee of $85. This fee covers the cost of fingerprinting and background checks for the applicant.
Travel costs
Getting to your medical exam, attending your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate office and, naturally, traveling to the U.S. after obtaining your K-1 visa all come with travel costs.
K-1 visa lawyer cost
If you choose to hire a lawyer to assist you throughout the K-1 visa process, it may cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Some attorneys may offer certain K-1 visa-related services for a flat fee, while others charge an hourly rate. Either way, the total cost varies widely depending on certain factors such as their years of experience, background in immigration law and geographic location.
When to speak with a lawyer
Hiring an attorney isn’t required at any point during the K-1 visa process. However, the assistance of experienced legal counsel may greatly benefit you. An immigration lawyer may help you complete and submit your application materials, prepare for your visa interview, reduce errors and improve your chances of a successful application.
Sofie is a writer. She lives in Brooklyn.
