K-1 Visa Costs and the Real Price of Bringing Your Fiancé to the USA

Bringing the person you love to the United States isn’t just an emotional journey; it’s a financial one, too.

For anyone planning a life together across borders, understanding how much does a K-1 visa cost is an essential first step.

Beyond the official paperwork, there are government fees, unexpected expenses, and the hidden price of waiting.

For many couples, the real K-1 visa price can be surprising, and it’s easy to miss small details that add up quickly.

This guide unpacks every fee, required payment, and overlooked cost, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of the K-1 fiancé visa process.

Breaking Down K-1 Visa Fees and Payments

If you’re wondering how much does a K-1 visa cost, it pays to start with the official government fees. Knowing the K-1 visa price at each stage ensures clear expectations and smoother planning:

1. USCIS Filing Fee for Form I-129F

The core cost of a fiancé visa comes from USCIS: $675 for Form I‑129F, paid by the US citizen sponsor at the outset.

2. Consular Processing Fee

Once USCIS approves the petition, the beneficiary pays $265 for the K‑1 nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate.

3. Medical Examination Fee

A visa‑approval medical exam, conducted by an embassy‑approved physician, typically costs between $200 and $400, depending on local rates.

4. Other Document-Related Costs

These practical items can add up:

• Certified translations, police certificates, and notary services: $25–$100+
• Vaccinations (if required): vary per country
• Document printing and courier/shipping: $50–$150

5. Payment Timeline

• USCIS fee: Paid online or by mail alongside the I‑129F at submission
• Consular fee: Paid at the interview stage (card, cash, or bank transfer)

Medical and document costs: Paid directly to providers

How Much Is a Fiancé Visa Compared to a Spouse Visa?

Choosing between a K-1 fiancé visa and a CR-1/IR-1 spouse visa comes down to cost, timing, and your life plans together.

Here’s a breakdown of what each costs, and how they compare:

1. K-1 Fiancé Visa

• USCIS I‑129F filing: $675 
• Visa application at embassy: $265 
• Medical exam: $200–$400 (country-dependent) 
• Adjustment of Status (Form I‑485 + biometrics): $1,440 
• Estimated Total (excluding travel and extras): $2,580–$2,780

At first glance, the K-1 route seems affordable. However, when you factor in adjustment of status fees, the full fiancé visa cost rises significantly.

2. CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa

• USCIS I‑130 filing: $675 
• National Visa Center fee: $445 
• Consular application fee (DS‑260): $325 
• Medical exam: $200–$400 
• Immigrant USCIS fee: $220 
• Estimated Total: $1,865–$2,065

Because the green card is issued upon arrival, the spouse visa avoids costly adjustment-of-status expenses, making it more cost-effective overall despite slightly higher visa fees upfront.

Main Differences and Cost-Effectiveness

Which is more cost-effective? If time is a priority and you want to get married in the US, the K-1 visa is faster but more expensive due to the adjustment of status step. If your wedding can take place abroad and you’re focused on saving, the spouse visa may be the smarter choice.

For a deeper look at the differences, see our full fiancé visa vs spouse visa comparison.

Hidden and Unexpected Costs in the K-1 Visa Process

For many couples, official government fees only tell part of the story. When you ask what the full K-1 visa price is, it’s the hidden and extra expenses that catch most people by surprise.

Here’s what to budget for beyond the basics:

1. Travel for Embassy Interview

If your fiancé(e) lives far from the US embassy or consulate, costs for bus, flights, hotels, and meals add up quickly. Expect to spend anywhere between $150–$800 just for interview travel, depending on the country and distance.

2. Translation, Notary, and Shipping Fees

Documents not in English must be translated by certified professionals, usually $25–$75 per page.

Notary fees and courier services for shipping or submitting documents add another $50–$150 to your total.

If you’re wondering how much the K-1 visa process is, including these extras, expect paperwork alone to bump costs up by several hundred dollars.

3. Adjustment of Status After Marriage

Many couples don’t realize that after entering on a K-1, you must file Form I‑485 for permanent residency.

The AOS package fee is $1,440 in 2025 (including biometrics). This step is essential and non-negotiable; skip it, and your partner won’t get a green card or work authorization.

4. Vaccinations and Additional Medical Tests

If your fiancé(e) lacks certain vaccinations required by the CDC, clinics may charge $50–$200 or more for immunizations or extra medical forms.

Unexpected retests, which sometimes happen if results expire during processing delays, can further increase costs.

5. Financial Sponsorship and Legal Help

Failing to meet the minimum required income for sponsorship? You may need a joint sponsor, who must also provide supporting documents and paperwork.

Many couples hire an immigration attorney for peace of mind; these fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500+. Legal help isn’t mandatory, but for complex cases, it can help prevent costly errors.

6. Post-Arrival Costs in the USA

Once your fiancé(e) arrives, add the cost of Social Security Number applications, travel for biometrics appointments, and replacing lost or incorrect documents, usually another $100–$200 out of pocket.

7. Delays, Re-filings, and Expired Documents

Delays can force you to repeat steps, such as updating expired police certificates, medical exams, or paying to re-send lost paperwork. Each redo can mean $100–$500 in extra costs.

Total: How Much Does a Fiancé Visa Cost With Extras?

All together, hidden costs can range from $500 to $3,000+, pushing the total price of a K-1 visa much higher than the initial government fees.

K-1 Visa Sponsorship Requirements (And How Much Money You Need to Qualify)

A big part of understanding how much does a K-1 visa costs is knowing the financial proof you’ll need to provide.

For the K-1 visa process, US sponsors must demonstrate they have the income or assets to support their fiancé(e) once they arrive. This requirement often raises the question: how much money do you need to sponsor a K-1 visa?

Minimum Income Needed in 2025

To qualify, the US citizen sponsor must show an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For a two-person household (just the sponsor and fiancé[e]), the current minimum is $24,650 per year (USCIS 2025 update). This figure increases if children or other dependents are included in the household count.

Required Documents for the K-1 Visa Process

Be ready to present clear, up-to-date financial evidence:

• Most recent federal tax returns (Form 1040)
• W-2s, pay stubs, or an employer letter
• Recent bank statements
• Proof of assets (if you don’t meet the income threshold, such as savings, property, or investments; assets generally need to total five times the income shortfall)

All of these documents are needed for the consular interview, and sometimes again during the adjustment of status.

Joint Sponsor Options

If you don’t meet the minimum income on your own, a joint sponsor can help. This person must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident, reside in the US, and submit their own set of financial documents.

The joint sponsor is legally liable for supporting your fiancé(e) until they become a citizen or work enough quarters in the US

Tips for a Smooth Affidavit of Support

• Start gathering paperwork early; the most common reason for delays is missing or outdated documents.
• Keep digital and hard copies in secure folders.
• If your income is variable (e.g., freelance, contract), provide extra documentation like 1099s, contracts, and several years of returns.
• For asset-based sponsorship, make sure documents are clear and well-organized; ambiguous paperwork is a top reason for requests for evidence (RFEs).

How Long Does the K-1 Visa Process Take?

Understanding how much is the K-1 visa process isn’t just about money, it’s also about time.

As of June 2025, the K-1 fiancé visa journey typically involves several steps and can take much longer than many couples expect.

USCIS Processing Timeline

After filing Form I-129F, most applicants wait 8–13 months for USCIS approval. Delays can happen if paperwork is incomplete, signatures are missing, or supporting documents are unclear.

National Visa Center (NVC) and Embassy Steps

Once USCIS approves the petition, it moves to the National Visa Center. Here, 2–4 months are typical for case processing, document collection, and interview scheduling at the US embassy or consulate.

The timeline depends on embassy workload, local holidays, and country-specific backlogs.

Total Timeline for the K-1 Visa Process

From start to finish, most couples spend 10–18 months from initial application to visa approval. Some cases go faster; others, especially those with paperwork issues or interview backlogs, can stretch even longer.

Key Factors That Affect the K-1 Visa Process

• Accuracy and completeness of documents: Small errors can mean months of delay and even extra costs for re-submitting forms or renewing documents.
• Embassy appointment wait times: Major cities or high-demand posts often book months out.
• Security and background checks: Any prior immigration history or security flags may require additional review.
• Country-specific delays: Political events, local holidays, or sudden embassy closures can pause processing.

Why Timing Impacts Total K-1 Visa Price

When you ask how much a K-1 visa costs, it’s important to remember: delays add real expenses. Longer timelines can mean repeat medical exams, updated police certificates, or additional travel for interviews and paperwork.

If your documents expire during the wait, redoing them can add hundreds of dollars to your K-1 visa price.

Conclusion: Planning, Saving, and the Real Cost of a K-1 Visa

Bringing your fiancé to the USA means more than paying basic government fees.

If you’re wondering about the true K-1 visa price or what the entire K-1 visa process involves, you’ve seen that costs go far beyond the standard government fees; it’s a mix of official fees, hidden expenses, timelines, and paperwork.

Comparing the K-1 with the spouse visa reveals important differences in total price, process, and what’s required. Knowing every stage, from affidavit of support to travel and medicals, helps you avoid surprises and budget confidently.

Before you apply, always double-check the latest rules and prices on the official USCIS website. Policies change often; stay up to date to avoid delays.

Need help with the marriage certificate required for your K-1 journey? Courtly makes getting legally married online simple and stress-free, so you can move forward with confidence.

FAQs

What is the total cost of a K-1 visa?

The total cost for a K-1 visa is typically $2,930 to $3,680, including government filing fees, medical exams, and adjustment of status after marriage. Travel, translation, and personal circumstances may add to the final amount.

How much money do you need to sponsor a K-1 visa?

Sponsors must show income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, about $24,650 per year for a couple. Proof includes tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. A joint sponsor can help if you don’t meet the threshold alone.

How much does a 90-day fiancé visa cost?

Most couples spend between $2,900 and $3,700 on the full process, which covers initial filing, medical, embassy fees, and post-arrival status adjustment. Higher costs can occur with legal help or significant travel.

How long does it take to get a K-1 fiancé visa?

The process typically takes 10–18 months, including USCIS approval, National Visa Center processing, and the US embassy interview. Timelines vary based on paperwork accuracy, embassy backlog, and country-specific factors.