K-1 Visa Cost (2026): Fees and Total Price
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How much does a K-1 visa cost?
The total government cost for a K-1 visa is about $940 in 2026. Most applicants pay more once additional expenses are factored in.
K-1 visa fee breakdown
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Form I-129F filing fee — $675
This fee is paid to USCIS when the U.S. citizen files the petition. It is the first required step in the K-1 visa process and is nonrefundable.
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DS-160 visa application fee — $265
This fee is paid by the foreign fiancé when submitting the online visa application through the U.S. Department of State. It must be paid before scheduling the visa interview.
Medical exam cost — approximately $200
The foreign fiancé must complete a medical exam with a physician approved by the U.S. embassy. The cost depends on the country and provider and may be higher in some locations. In some countries it can be $300 or more.
Additional K-1 visa costs
Beyond government fees, most applicants pay additional out-of-pocket costs that vary depending on location and situation:
- Document translation fees (required for any non-English documents)
- Travel costs to attend the visa interview
- Costs to obtain official documents such as birth certificates and police certificates
- Passport photos
- Shipping and mailing fees
These costs are often underestimated. Planning ahead can help avoid surprises.
Total estimated K-1 visa cost
Most applicants can expect to pay:
- $940 in required government fees
- $1,100 to $1,400 total including typical additional costs
Your total may be higher depending on your country of application, travel distance, translation needs, and other factors.
Is the K-1 visa cheaper than a marriage visa?
The K-1 visa may appear cheaper upfront than a marriage-based green card(CR-1 or IR-1). However, because K-1 visa holders must apply for a green card after marriage, the total cost of the K-1 path is often higher overall. It is worth comparing both paths before deciding.
What do you pay after the K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa is only the first step. After marriage, you must apply for a green card, which includes additional government fees:
- Form I-485 (green card application): $1,440
- Work permit (EAD) and travel authorization (Advance Parole): included with I-485 filing
Total additional government fees for the green card are over $1,400. Factor this into your overall budget when planning.
Are K-1 visa fees refundable?
No. K-1 visa fees are generally nonrefundable, even if your application is delayed or denied. This makes it especially important to submit a complete and accurate application the first time.
How to reduce unnecessary costs
You can reduce your total costs by:
- Filing Form I-129F online to receive the $50 USCIS discount
- Submitting a complete, accurate application to avoid refilings or delays
- Preparing documents correctly the first time
- Carefully following all embassy instructions
Mistakes and re-filings are one of the most common ways costs add up unexpectedly.
Fiancé Visa Information
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USCIS offers a $50 discount if you file Form I-129F online. This brings the filing fee to $625.
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USCIS offers a $50 discount if you file Form I-129F online. This brings the filing fee to $625.
USCIS offers a $50 discount if you file Form I-129F online. This brings the filing fee to $625.
Boundless can help you pay your government fees on a schedule that works for you.
Start your application today and pay over time.
Boundless can help you pay your government fees on a schedule that works for you.
Start your application today and pay over time.
K-1 FAQs
Yes, but only if, after you arrive in the U.S., you apply and are approved for a work permit by completing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
Like the K-1 visa, this employment authorization is only valid for 90 days, starting when you arrive in the U.S.
If you choose to apply for permanent residency after you arrive and file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), you can include Form I-765 with your application. This would grant you work authorization for one year.
To be eligible for a K-1 visa, you must be engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry within 90 days of arriving in the U.S. You must also prove that you have met in person at least once within the two years prior to applying for the visa.
The 2-year rule is a crucial part of the USCIS K-1 visa process. It is designed to ensure that the relationship between the US citizen and the foreign-citizen fiancé is genuine by requiring couples to provide proof they’ve met in person at least once within the two years before they submit Form I-129F. This doesn’t mean couples need to have been in a relationship or know each other for two or more years; it simply means that before you send in your K-1 visa forms, you must have evidence that you’ve physically met.
Online meetings, video chats, and phone calls do not satisfy this requirement. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If meeting in person would conflict with religious or cultural traditions, or if it would result in severe hardship to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e), the rule may not apply.
Not all K-1 visa applications allow for joint sponsors. For example, applicants specifically from the Philippines and Thailand are unable to enlist joint sponsors for their K1 applications. If you’re unsure whether you can include a joint sponsor on your application, it is best to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your application will be processed to ensure joint sponsors may be included before applying.
The K-1 visa itself has the same initial filing fee as the CR-1 (marriage green card) visa, but the overall cost of obtaining a Green Card is higher with the K-1 visa process. This is because after arriving in the U.S. on a K-1 visa, you must marry within 90 days and then file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident. This additional step involves an additional filing fee, bringing the total government fees for the K-1 process higher than those for the CR-1 visa process.
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