How Much Does a Fiancé(e) Visa Cost?
As of 2021, the cost of a fiancé(e) visa begins with a $535 fee for filing form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). But as you progress through the application process, you will have additional costs. And keep in mind that the visa is valid for 90 days, so you must marry within that time frame to help your fiancé(e)’s remain in the United States. So what is included in the cost of bringing your fiancé(e) from another country to the United States?
What Is the Cost of a Fiancé(e) Visa?
The cost of a K-1 fiancé(e) visa includes several forms and processes for your future spouse to enter and remain in the United States. If you are a United States citizen engaged to marry someone who is a resident of another country and want to bring your fiancé to the United States for marriage, expect these fees:
- Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
- Form DS-160 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, including a separate fee for each of your fiancé(e)’s children, if any
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Biometrics fee – An appointment to gather information to record your fiancé(e)’s identity, including photos, fingerprints, and signature
- Immigration medical exam
- Other fees – Obtaining legal documents, getting vaccines, and travel costs
For details on what to expect throughout the process, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to read or download the document, How Do I Help My Fiancé(e) Become a United States Permanent Resident?
2021 Fees for a Fiancé(e) Visa
Below are fees you may incur during the process of obtaining a fiancé(e) visa. But your costs may be different depending on your situation.
Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
In 2021, the filing fee to petition for your fiancé(e) is $535. If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the petition, your fiancé(e) must apply for a K-1 visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Form DS-160 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
The fee for submitting an online nonimmigrant visa application is $265 for your fiancé(e) and each of your fiancé(e)’s children if any.
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Form I-485 is an application for permanent residence or a Green Card. After you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residency. The application fee in 2021 is $1,140.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 grants permission for your fiancé(e) to work in the United States. The application fee is $410.00
Biometrics fee
If an application requires a biometrics appointment—fingerprints, photos, and signature—from your fiancé(e), expect to pay $85 for processing fees.
Immigration medical exam
Before the U.S. embassy or consulate approves your fiancé(e)’s visa, a medical exam is required. Your fiancé(e) can choose a local doctor from an approved list of doctors issued by the U.S. Department of State. Depending on the country where your fiancé(e)’ lives, the medical exam can cost $50 to $300.
Other fees
- Copies of required legal documents
- Passport
- Police certificates
- Birth certificates
- Required vaccinations before entering the United States. See the USCIS list of vaccinations needed for immigrants entering the United States
- Travel expenses – to the U.S. embassy or consulate and the United States
Conclusion
Applying for a K-1 Fiancé(e) visa is an essential step in spending your life with your partner. Preparing and anticipating the expense can reduce some stress throughout the process. Consider your unique needs to determine which applications you might need to complete.
Schedule a Fiancé(e) Visa Consultation
Wogwu Law of San Antonio, Texas, is here to help you navigate the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa process and ensure you complete applications thoroughly and accurately. Contact us for a consultation.