A common choice for U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé or fiancé to the country for marriage is the K-1 visa, sometimes referred to as the fiancée visa. Couples can be together through the K-1 visa procedure, but several expenses and financial criteria are involved. In this post, we’ll go over all of the costs related to the K-1 visa application procedure, along with the financial commitments that the petitioner and the beneficiary have to fulfill.
Understanding the K-1 Visa Process: Forms & Fees
Petition submission, visa application, medical examination, and interview are the processes in the K-1 visa procedure. Fees are associated with each of these steps and can stack up to a significant sum. Let’s examine the expenses related to acquiring a K-1 visa:
1. Form I-129F Filing Fee
- The U.S. citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiance(e)) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Currently, the filing fee for Form I-129F is $675.
2. DS-160 Visa Application Fee
- Following USCIS’ approval of the Form I-129F petition, the beneficiary must apply for the K-1 visa at their home country’s American embassy or consulate. The beneficiary must pay a non-refundable visa application fee (DS-160), which varies depending on the country and currency exchange rates.
3. Medical Examination
- An authorized physician must examine the beneficiary as part of the K-1 visa application process. The cost of the medical examination varies by country and might range from $100 to $500 or more.
4. Translation and Documentation Costs
- If any documents, such as birth certificates or police clearances, need to be translated into English, or if certified copies are required, there may be additional costs associated with these services.
5. Travel Expenses
- The petitioner and the beneficiary may incur travel expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and transportation, for attending interviews, medical examinations, and other required appointments.
Financial Requirements for the K-1 Visa
The petitioner and the beneficiary must fulfill certain financial conditions to prove their ability to support themselves and their spouse in the United States, in addition to the costs related to the K-1 visa application procedure. These monetary commitments consist of the following:
Affidavit of Support
The U.S. citizen petitioner must submit Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) and supporting documentation to demonstrate their financial ability to sponsor their fiance(e) and ensure they will not become a public charge in the United States. The petitioner must meet the minimum income threshold of 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
Proof of Relationship and Intent to Marry
Within ninety days of the beneficiary’s arrival in the United States on a K-1 visa, the petitioner and the beneficiary must demonstrate a sincere relationship and intention to get married. Photographs, letters, and records of visits or other exchanges may fall under this category.
Insurance and Health Coverage
While not a formal requirement, the beneficiary should obtain health insurance coverage upon entering the United States on a K-1 visa. Some states may require health insurance as a condition of residency, and having insurance can help mitigate potential medical expenses.
K-1 Visa Cost and Financial Requirements: The Bottom Line
Obtaining a K-1 visa for a foreign fiancé entails a number of expenses and financial commitments for both the petitioner and the recipient. The K-1 visa process necessitates meticulous planning and preparation, from filing fees and medical exams to proving financial capabilities and proof of relationship. By understanding the split of expenses and financial requirements, couples may effectively navigate the K-1 visa application process and ensure a soft transition to married life in the United States.