VWB Blog Are you in a committed relationship with a US citizen? Are you considering moving to the US with your partner and being with them forever? If so, then one visa you both may be looking into is a K1 visa.
Doing so could change your life forever. However, you will need a K1 visa application to enter the country. In order to complete the application, you will need to pay a fee and go through the process.
Wondering how much does a K1 visa cost? Keep reading for all the details!
How Much Does a K1 Visa Cost: The Breakdown
A K1 visa is also known as a fiancé visa. It is a type of visa that allows the fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for 90 days. This is to marry the petitioner and adjust their status to that of permanent resident if desired.
The cost of a K1 visa application will depend on a variety of factors, such as the applicant’s home country, applying for the visa in a country outside of the United States, and the number of applicants.
The cost can range from $1,000 – $2,000, including both United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State fees. Breaking down the payment components, these consist of:
Filing Fees
The USCIS filing fees for the K1 visa are $535. This fee covers the cost of the I-129F petition processing fee, a biometrics fee, and an immigration fee. It also includes some supporting documents required for the visa application.
The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars and can be made with a certified check, money order, or personal check. You may also use a debit card or credit card to pay the filing fees.
Medical Costs
In most cases, the individual applying must provide a current medical exam completed by an approved doctor. The cost of the exam can range from $150-$500, or more depending on the location and scope of the exam.
In addition to the medical exam, individuals must also provide proof that they have received certain vaccines and maintain proof of ongoing immunization status. These costs vary depending on the individual’s existing immunization status and whether new vaccines are required.
Attorney Fees
Prices for an attorney can vary greatly depending on location, experience, and the complexity of the case. Expect to pay at least $1,500 -2,500 for a basic K1 petition, broken down into a flat fee and hourly rates.
Depending on the specifics of the case, there may be additional fees such as passport services, courier services, and foreign consulate costs. To ensure you are making sound decisions around attorney fees, it’s highly recommended to shop around for the most competitive prices. Do this while also reading reviews about others’ experiences with the attorney to ensure the attorney is reputable.
Same with other types of visas, lawyers are expected to draft the paperwork and assist in the filing. They also guide throughout the entire process.
Additionally, USCIS does not normally return any previously filed documents, so you may need to pay additional fees for copies of various documents (depending on your circumstances). The cost of this marriage visa ultimately depends on the individual situation of the applicant and can vary drastically.
What Do You Need to Know
A K1 visa allows the fiancé to live and work in the United States for some time while their marriage application is processed. In addition to the physical cost of the visa application, some of the application processes that you need to know about the immigration policy include:
Form I-129F
The I-129F form is used to petition for the K1 visa and has to include financial evidence that the applicant has the means to support himself/herself upon arriving in the US, as well as background information about the applicant and their fiancé(e).
An incomplete I-129F or with incorrect details will be returned and may ultimately delay the visa application process. Remember to provide a complete and accurate financial statement. This statement should include all of your assets and liabilities, both income and expenses and is used to determine the facts surrounding your relationship with the petitioner.
Ensure to include all required documents such as the petitioner’s valid US passport, valid ID cards, utility bills, and evidence of the termination of any previous marriage. Without these documents, the file will not be accepted.
K-1 Visa Processing Time
The K1 visa processing time can take several months, as the government needs to make sure the foreign partner is legally eligible to stay in the US for the marriage. If you use an expedited processing service, there may be an additional cost for rapid processing, as well as any applicable visa reciprocity fees.
It is important to note that since the K1 visa has a high processing time (often 3-6 months) you may need to consider additional related costs that could arise. To avoid delays, it is recommended to file the application all at once and submit all necessary documents to the embassy promptly.
How to Prepare for the K-1 Interview
To prepare for the K1 interview, applicants are advised to have all their documents ready and answer the questions honestly. It is beneficial to bring all supporting documents such as evidence of the relationship between the couple and clean criminal background records. All documentation should be reviewed meticulously before the interview to ensure proper preparation.
The couple must demonstrate to the consular officer that their relationship is legitimate and legitimate intentions to marry in the United States. The best way to be successful in the interview is to be prepared and calm during the interview. Remember that it is normal to feel a little bit nervous, but as long as you are following all the immigration laws, then there is nothing to worry about.
K1 Visa Success Rate
Despite the cost of the visa, the success rate for K1 visas is high as applicants meet the requirements and provide the needed documents. The vast majority of K1 applicants receive approval quickly.
Ninety percent of individuals seeking a K1 visa have their application approved in an average of 8.3 months. While the cost of applying for a K1 visa may be high, the probability of success makes filing for the visa worth the effort.
Denied Application
If the application is denied, the applicant will receive no refunds for the fees paid. The applicant may be able to appeal or re-apply for the K1 visa with new evidence or additional information to support their case.
Since there is no guarantee that it will be approved even if the applicant appeals or re-applies, the applicant may need to look for other ways to travel to the destination, such as different visa requirements, and the entry will be at the discretion of the immigration attorney or officers.
K1 Visa Extension
A K1 visa may be extended in certain cases such as needing to stay beyond the visa expiration date due to circumstances beyond the control of either party in the relationship. To extend a K1 visa, the individual seeking an extension must submit written evidence in support of the request and pay a $370 fee. After that, the petitioner must wait for USCIS to review the extension request and provide a decision.
What Are the Benefits of a K-1 Visa?
Applying for a K1 Visa is an expensive process with the USCIS fees alone totaling hundreds of dollars. But the financial investment is worth it because of the many benefits of a K1 Visa.
A K1 Visa enables the beneficiary to gain lawful permanent residence in the U.S., providing them with the same privileges and rights as any other U.S. citizen. The visa grants the holder to be able to legally work in the U.S. once they are married, as well as the ability to travel freely and without legal difficulties.
With the K-1 visa, the holder will also be able to apply for a Green Card and eventually become a naturalized U.S. citizen. It also allows having a driver’s license and social security number eligibility.
A K1 Visa also allows US citizens to bring their spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States. These benefits can help families reunite and create a life in the US full of new opportunities.
Be With Your Beloved Today
In conclusion, a K1 visa is a great option for anyone looking to travel to the United States to be with their fiancé or fiancée. After reading how much does a K1 visa cost overview, you can now start preparing your documentary requirements.
Compact and compliant research, and obtaining the right documents for the application are essential steps in preparing for a successful and cost-effective K1 visa process.
For more detailed guidance, consult a qualified immigration professional. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be with your beloved – get started on your K1 visa journey today!
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