K-1 Visa Cost Breakdown & Expenses
Wondering about the K-1 visa cost? Learn about fees, hidden expenses, legal costs, and savings tips for 2025. Get a full breakdown before you apply. 9 min read updated on March 19, 2025
Key Takeaways:
- The K-1 visa cost includes multiple fees, such as $535 for Form I-129F, $265 for DS-160, and $1225 for green card application.
- Additional expenses include medical exams, document translations, legal fees, and travel costs.
- The K-1 visa process typically takes 10 to 14 months from application to approval.
- Expedited processing is not available, but certain factors may impact processing time.
- Bringing dependents (K-2 visas for children) incurs additional fees.
- Comparing the K-1 visa with a marriage-based green card can help determine the best option.
- Hiring an immigration lawyer may help navigate the complex application process.
How Much Does a K-1 Visa Cost?
The K-1 visa, otherwise known as a fiancé visa, is necessary for the fiancé or fiancée of a United States citizen to remain in the country for an extended period of time. The visa requires marriage within 90 days of entry.
The K1 visa cost in 2023 is $800, deriving from the I-129F form filing fee and the DS-160 filing fee.
You may also be wondering, “How much does it cost to file for a spouse to obtain a green card?” To become a permanent resident, there’s an adjustment of status fee that will cost you an additional $1225 ($1140 for Form I-485 and $85 for biometrics).
Those applying for the K-1 visa may incur additional fees from medical examinations or fees from hiring an immigration lawyer.
To obtain a K-1 visa, applicants must adhere to the basic requirements:
- The sponsor must be a United States citizen.
- Both parties must be able to marry. If one person was previously married, then they must be fully divorced).
- The marriage must meet federal and state marriage requirements.
- Both parties must have physically met within two years prior to applying.
Find out additional requirements by reading this guide on the K1 visa price.
Can the K-1 Visa Process Be Expedited?
Unfortunately, premium processing is not available for the K-1 visa. However, applicants facing urgent circumstances (such as military deployment or medical emergencies) may request an expedited review from USCIS. Approval for these requests is not guaranteed and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
To improve processing speed, applicants should ensure:
- All forms and documents are complete and accurate
- Supporting evidence is well-organized to avoid delays
- Medical examinations and required vaccinations are done early
- No mistakes or missing information in the I-129F or DS-160 forms
While there is no way to officially fast-track a K-1 visa, proactive preparation can prevent unnecessary delays.
Fiancé Visa Costs
The following chart provides a fiancé visa cost breakdown and a list of K1 visa requirements.
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-1 visa petition (Form I-129F) | $535 |
| K-1 visa (Form DS-160) | $265 (Note: Each person that wishes to accompany the K-1 visa holder will need to pay an additional $265. For example, if the foreign fiancé(e) has two minor children, then they will pay 3 x $265). |
| Mandatory medical examination | This cost varies. K-1 visa holders can typically expect to pay $50-$200. |
| Other costs | Other costs such as fees for an immigration lawyer, translation services, and passport renewals may also apply on a case-to-case basis. |
| Adjustment of Status |
$1140 (Form I-485) $85 (Biometrics) (Note: This is only applicable to those applying for a green card to become permanent residents. If children are involved, an additional fee will apply. Fees for children under 14 years of age are reduced to $750) |
What is the Total Cost of a K-1 Visa (Including Hidden Fees)?
While the base application fees for a K-1 visa total $800, additional costs can increase the overall expense. Below is a detailed breakdown of possible expenses:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Form I-129F (Fiancé(e) Petition) | $535 |
| Form DS-160 (Visa Application) | $265 per applicant |
| Medical Exam | $50–$500 |
| Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | $1,225 ($750 for children) |
| Work Authorization (Form I-765) | $0 (if filed with I-485) |
| Advance Parole (Form I-131) | $0 (if filed with I-485) |
| Immigration Lawyer Fees | $750–$2,000+ |
| Travel Costs to U.S. | Varies by location |
| Translations & Document Fees | $20–$100 per document |
Depending on the case, the total K-1 visa cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000+, factoring in hidden fees like travel, legal fees, and documents.
Costs for Form I-129F
Filling a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) form (commonly known as form I-129F) costs $535. Additional fees will apply if children are accompanying the Alien fiancé.
The payment must be made at the time of filing.
Form I-129F is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, a case will be created with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Costs for Official K-1 Visa application (Form DS-160)
Once your K-1 petition has been approved, you’ll need to file for the K-1 visa application using form DS-160.
The K1 visa fees for filing a DS-160 form is $265.
Each person accompanying the foreign fiancé will be required to pay this fee. This fee will need to be paid towards the end of the visa application process and directly to the US embassy of your interview.
After you’ve completed the DS-160, you must take the following next steps:
- Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate won’t schedule an appointment for you.
- Pay the K1 visa fees. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): from K1 visa to green card
If you plan to live in the United States with your foreign spouse, then you may be wondering in regards to obtaining a green card and becoming a permanent resident, “How much does it cost to file for a spouse to apply for an adjustment of status?”.
To start this process, you must:
- File Form I-485, also known as an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It’s important to start this process as soon as possible.
- Pay the K1 visa fee for Form I-485, which is $1140.
- Complete biometrics for your foreign fiancé(e), which costs an additional $85.
The total fee for all of this is $1225, and is to be paid to USCIS.
What you’ll need to include with this application can vary, though generally, you’ll need to include documents like:
- Two professionally-taken, passport-style photographs
- A government-issued ID that includes a photo of you
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Any necessary forms as required
Filing fees for an I-485 can also vary depending on age, status, and if you’re bringing a child with you. See the table below for total costs.
| Age/status | Form fee | Biometric services fee | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 14 years old, filing with Form I-485 of a parent | $750 | $0 | $750 |
| Under 14 years old, not filing with Form I-485 of a parent | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
| 14 to 78 years old | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
| 79 years old and over | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
| Admitted into the U.S. as a refugee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
How is a Fiancé Visa Different From a Marriage Green Card?
The most important difference between a fiancé visa and a marriage green card is location.
A K-1 visa requires that both parties are married 90 days after the visa is approved in the United States.
Meanwhile, the marriage green card requires that both parties are married outside of the country.
Both visas require proof and evidence of a bona fide, real relationship.
Is a K-1 Visa or a Marriage-Based Green Card Better?
Deciding between a K-1 fiancé visa and a marriage-based green card depends on personal circumstances:
| Factor | K-1 Fiancé Visa | Marriage-Based Green Card |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Marriage | Must marry within the U.S. | Marriage occurs outside the U.S. |
| Processing Time | 10–14 months | 12–18 months |
| Cost | $2,000–$5,000+ total | $1,200–$3,000+ total |
| Work Authorization | Can apply after marriage | Can apply immediately |
| Path to Green Card | Must apply after marriage | Green card process begins earlier |
Which is better?
- K-1 Visa: Best for couples who want to marry in the U.S.
- Marriage Green Card: More cost-effective and faster in some cases
Couples should compare costs, wait times, and travel needs before choosing the best visa.
Other Costs That You May Incur
Here are some other K1 visa fees you may incur during the application process.
- Medical exam fees. Your foreign fiancé will be required to undergo a medical examination prior to receiving a visa. The examination must be administered by an approved USCIS doctor and clinic. This must be done before attending the interview. The costs for a medical examination vary depending on the country, and can range from $50 to $500.
- Travel to the United States. Travel to the United States is completely dependent on location and dates. There is no average price.
- Documents for foreign fiancé. Your foreign fiancé may be required to obtain their birth certificate, police certificates, and passport. Costs to retrieve these documents will vary based on country.
- Bringing a child. If your foreign fiancé wishes to bring a dependent child with them to the US, then you will also incur extra costs. You must pay $265 for each child as part of the DS-160 form, as well as $1225 if you are also applying for a green card for a child. If the child is under 14, then the $1225 cost is reduced to $750.
- Translation fees. If you’re providing any documents that are not in English, then you must have them translated. Fees are determined by the type of document and the service you choose to use. A one-page birth certificate may cost $20 to $40 to translate, for example.
- Photography fees. Some applicants may be required to submit a professional photo to verify their identity. Prices will vary based on the service and location.
- Shipping costs. When submitting an application, you may be required to mail some documents. Postage will vary based on location and distance.
Common Reasons for K-1 Visa Denials & Avoiding Mistakes
The K-1 visa has an approval rate of 66%, meaning many applications face denial or delays. Common reasons for K-1 visa denials include:
- Insufficient proof of a bona fide relationship (e.g., lack of photos, messages, or visit history)
- Missing required financial evidence (sponsor does not meet income requirement of $22,887 for a household of two)
- Errors in application forms or missing documents
- Failure to meet the physical meeting requirement (must have met in person within the last two years)
- Criminal history of the foreign fiancé(e)
To avoid rejection, ensure:
- Strong documentation (photos, travel records, affidavits from friends and family)
- Accurate financial proof (tax returns, pay stubs, assets)
- Complete applications with no missing information
Consulting with an immigration lawyer can significantly improve chances of approval.
How Much Does a K-1 Visa Cost With a Lawyer?
The K1 visa price in terms of hiring a lawyer to assist with filing will vary based on the location and complexity of the application. Regardless, most attorney fees for a K-1 visa hover around the $750 to $2000 range.
Completing this visa process is timely and complex, so while there may be initial upfront costs to hire a lawyer, it may actually save you money and time in the long run. For example, if your visa is denied, a lawyer will be able to advise you on the next steps.
We recommend speaking with an immigration lawyer so you can get your application done right the first time. There are numerous benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer, including the following:
- Expertise and knowledge: Immigration lawyers are experts in the field and can provide you with guidance and advice about all aspects of your immigration case.
- Accurate and up-to-date information: Immigration law can be ever-changing. A lawyer can provide you with the most up to date information about which laws apply in your case, what documentation is required, and what forms need to be filled out accurately.
- Timely filing: Immigration lawyers are well versed in the deadlines for filing paperwork and can ensure that your application is filed accurately and on time.
UpCounsel provides you with lawyers who value transparency and honesty, and will be there to guide you throughout the process every step of the way. Post a new job on UpCounsel to get legal help on submitting your K1 visa application.
It’s also helpful to hire a marriage visa lawyer to assist parties in filing a K-3 visa.
How Long Does it Take for Approval of a Fiancé Visa?
The average time for a K-1 visa is six months, and the green card process takes an additional average of 13 months to complete.
This does not include pending approval of your interview date. These estimates also do not account for the length of obtaining any necessary documents or completing a medical examination.
Regardless, wait times for this step in the process can vary.
Check out our article on spouse visa processing times as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I work in the U.S. with a K-1 visa?
Yes, but you must apply for work authorization (Form I-765) after arriving in the U.S. -
How long do I have to get married after arriving in the U.S.?
You must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa. -
What happens if my K-1 visa application is denied?
You can reapply with stronger evidence or appeal the decision if applicable. -
Can I bring my children on a K-1 visa?
Yes, unmarried children under 21 years old can apply for K-2 visas, with additional fees. -
How can I reduce K-1 visa costs?
- Avoid unnecessary lawyer fees by ensuring complete applications.
- Complete medical exams in a lower-cost country if possible.
- Compare translation and document service prices before committing.
