When love knows no borders, international couples often turn to the K-1 fiancé(e) visa as a way to unite in the United States and build a life together. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-born fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the country legally, with the intention of getting married within 90 days of arrival. It’s a path that thousands of couples take each year, driven by their commitment to each other and their hope for a shared future.
While the K-1 visa offers a valuable opportunity for international couples, it’s important to understand that the process comes with significant costs. From government filing fees to medical exams and travel expenses, the price of bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S. can add up quickly.
For many couples, these costs are a necessary investment in their future together, but they can also come as a surprise if you’re not prepared.
The Basics of the K-1 Visa
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that permits the foreign-born fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married.
To be eligible for a K-1 visa, the couple must meet the following requirements:
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must be legally free to marry, and the foreign-born fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry in their country of origin.
- The couple must have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the K-1 visa petition unless meeting in person would violate strict cultural, religious, or social norms or cause extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen sponsor.
- The couple must have a bona fide intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s admission to the United States on the K-1 visa.
To apply for a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen sponsor must first file a petition on Form I-129F with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing, and the foreign-born fiancé(e) can then apply for the K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
The visa application process includes submitting the online DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and attending an in-person interview with a consular officer.
If the K-1 visa is granted, the fiancé(e) can then travel to the United States and must marry the U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can then apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) if they wish to stay in the U.S. indefinitely.
Mandatory Government Fees for the K-1 Visa
Now that we understand the basics of how the K-1 visa works, let’s take a closer look at the mandatory government fees involved in the process. These fees are non-negotiable and must be paid in order for your application to be processed.
1. Form I-129F Filing Fee: $675
The initial step in the K-1 visa process is for the U.S. citizen sponsor to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS. This form officially requests that the foreign-born fiancé(e) be classified as eligible for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa based on the couple’s intention to marry. The current filing fee for Form I-129F is $675, which must be paid by check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
2. Form DS-160 Application Fee: $185
After the I-129F petition is approved, the foreign-born fiancé(e) must complete the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, and pay the associated application fee. This fee is currently $265 and can be paid online or at a designated bank or consulate, depending on the specific instructions for the country where the fiancé(e) is applying. The DS-160 fee is non-refundable, even if the K-1 visa is ultimately denied.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the mandatory government fees are the most obvious expenses associated with the K-1 visa process, there are several other costs that couples should be aware of and budget for. These additional expenses can vary widely depending on your individual circumstances, but they are common for most K-1 visa applicants.
1. Document Fees
As part of the K-1 visa application process, the foreign-born fiancé(e) will need to submit a variety of personal documents to prove their identity, nationality, and eligibility for the visa. These documents may include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Police certificates from all countries where the fiancé(e) has lived for 6 months or more since age 16
- Divorce or death certificates for any previous marriages
- Military records, if applicable
Obtaining these documents from the relevant government agencies or authorities in the fiancé(e)’s home country can often involve fees, which can vary widely depending on the country and the specific document.
For example, obtaining a birth certificate in one country may cost the equivalent of $10, while in another country, it may cost $50 or more. Police certificates, in particular, can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain, especially if the fiancé(e) has lived in multiple countries.
2. Translation Fees
If any of the required documents for the K-1 visa application are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation. This translation must include a signed statement from the translator certifying that they are competent to translate the foreign language into English and that the translation is complete and accurate.
The cost of obtaining certified translations can vary depending on the length and complexity of the document, as well as the specific language and the translator’s rates. On average, you can expect to pay between $20 and $40 per page for professional document translation services. If you have multiple documents that need to be translated, these costs can add up quickly.
Seek the Guidance of an Experienced Immigration Attorney
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the costs of the K-1 visa process, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the application process, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of success. They can also provide valuable advice on budgeting and financial planning for your new life together.
At LegalMatch, we understand the challenges and joys of international love, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our network of experienced immigration attorneys is ready to provide the guidance and support you need to make your K-1 visa journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to take the next step in your application, we can match you with the right legal professional for your needs and budget.
Don’t let the cost of a K-1 visa stand in the way of your happiness. Take control of your future today by reaching out to LegalMatch and learning more about how we can help you bring your fiancé(e) to the United States and start your new life together. With the right preparation, support, and determination, your dream of a cross-border happily ever after can become a reality.
