The K-1 visa, which is commonly referred to as the “fiancé visa,” is a popular option that allows foreign partners of American citizens to enter the U.S. with the intent of getting married no more than 90 days later. As with most visas and immigration processes, there are a number of costs associated with the K1 visa, which we will outline in this article.
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What Is The K1 Fiancé Visa?
The K1 fiancé visa is intended for foreign fiancés who wish to travel to the United States to get married. As long as the marriage takes place in no more than 90 days, the foreign fiancé’s status will be adjusted to permanent residency, and they’ll receive a green card.
K1 Fiancé Visa Eligibility Requirements
Like all visas, there are some strict requirements you and your fiancé must meet in order to be eligible for a K1 visa, including:
- The sponsoring partner is an American citizen. Green card holders aren’t eligible to sponsor K1 visas.
- Both partners are unmarried and eligible to marry.
- The legitimacy of the relationship has been proven with evidence, like photos, hotel reservations, trips taken together, statements from friends and family, etc.
- The couple has proven they’ve met in person at least once within the two years leading up to filing for the via. Evidence can be presented in the form of flight and itineraries, dated photos, etc.
- Each partner has signed a statement indicating their intent to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé’s arrival on U.S. soil.
- The sponsoring fiancé meets income requirements — their adjusted gross income on their most recent tax return must equal at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Costs Of Filing A K1 Visa
How much does it cost to file a K1 visa? Here’s what to expect:
- Form I-129F:The fee for the primary form you’ll use to submit the application is $535. Form I-129F is mandatory for everyone applying for a K1 visa.
- DS-160:The cost of the DS-160 is $265 per applicant. If the primary applicant has any dependents, an additional fee of $265 is required for each dependent.
- Medical Exam: In the majority of cases, a medical exam is required for all K1 visa applicants. This exam has to be done by an embassy-approved physician, and the cost varies based on location and a number of other factors.
- Adjustment Of Status: The Adjustment of Status Form I-485 costs $1,140.
- Attorney Fee: The attorney fees are another cost that will vary based on several factors. But, working with an attorney is strongly encouraged throughout the K1 visa process due to its complexities and all of the details that must be followed to a tee. Most attorneys charge based on how much work they do on your behalf. You’ll learn more about attorney fees during your consultation with an immigration attorney.
Other Fees
The fees don’t end with official services. There are a number of other costs associated with the K1 visa you should expect, including:
- Postage:Filing for a visa requires a lot of documents that need to be mailed in.
- Gathering Necessary Documents: You’ll be required to submit digital and physical documents — in their original form and photocopies — including birth certificates, passports, and divorce decrees. Government entities usually charge fees to issue these documents and copies to you.
- Passport / Passport Photos:In order to verify your identity and perform background checks, the government will ask for recent photographs. Although you can take your own photos, it’s recommended to get them professionally done, so that the size, lighting, and framing meet the USCIS requirements.
Adding It All Up
When you add up all of the above-mentioned fees, you should expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $2,00o+ on your K-1 visa application. Remember, some fees vary, including attorney fees and medical examinations. But, a good rule of thumb is to set aside at least $2,000 for the entire process.
How Long Does It Take To Process A K1 Visa Application
As of late 2021, you should expect to wait five to seven months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process Form I-129F, then an extra three to four weeks to receive instructions for the next steps from the National Visa Center (NVC).
What Happens If My K1 Visa Application Is Denied?
We know that having a K1 visa denied — or any visa for that matter — can be heartbreaking. But, don’t fret. It’s not the end of the road. You do, however need to act quickly and with an experienced immigration attorney. Here are your options:
- Appeal the denial: Use Form I-290B to appeal the denial. There are strict deadlines on appealing, usually about 33 days, so do not wait to do this. You’ll also have to pay an additional $675 filing fee.
- Retry with a new K1 visa application: You can also start fresh with an entirely new application. If you’re not in a rush or if your application was denied for a reason that can’t be appealed, this might be a good option for you. If you didn’t work with an attorney on your initial application, now’s the time to find a skilled immigration attorney who can help ensure your new application is approved.
- Get married on international soil and apply for a different visa: If the K1 visa process just isn’t working for you, the final option is to get married outside of the United States and apply for a marriage-based visa once you are married to your American partner.
Next Steps
If you’re in the process of filing your K1 visa application or exploring your options, it’s imperative to work with an expert immigration attorney to lower your chances of having your application denied.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
To learn more about the K1 visa process, contact Attorney Eric Price today. The experience, expertise, and guidance that Price and his team bring to clients every day are invaluable. These qualities have led to many visa applications being approved and the beginning of countless American Dreams. So, email Eric Price’s firm and enjoy the advantages that only high success rates and considerable experience can bring!
