K-1 fiancé visa fee breakdown
The K-1 visa lets the foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen enter the US to marry within 90 days, then apply for a green card. Its cost comes in stages. The US-citizen petitioner first files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) with USCIS and pays the filing fee. After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then the US embassy, where the fiancé(e) pays the nonimmigrant visa application fee and completes the DS-160.
On top of the government fees, budget for the required medical examination by an embassy-approved panel physician (typically $200–$500), passport-style photos, document translations, and obtaining civil documents like birth and police certificates. Because USCIS and State Department fees change, confirm the current amounts on their official sites.
The cost after arrival: marriage and the green card
The K-1 only gets your fiancé(e) into the US. After you marry within 90 days, the new spouse files for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485), which carries its own USCIS fee of roughly $1,440 and usually includes biometrics. Many couples also file Form I-765 for a work permit and Form I-131 for advance parole at the same time, generally at no extra cost when bundled with the I-485.
So the realistic 'total' cost of a K-1 path is the petition and consular stage plus the post-marriage adjustment stage — frequently $2,500–$3,500 in combined government and medical fees, before any legal help.
Attorney fees and how the K-1 compares to a spouse visa
Hiring an immigration attorney for a K-1 typically adds $1,500–$3,000, and some firms quote a package covering both the K-1 and the later adjustment of status. You can file without a lawyer, which is common for straightforward cases.
Couples sometimes weigh the K-1 against marrying abroad first and using a CR-1/IR-1 spouse visa. The spouse visa often costs a similar amount overall and grants a green card on arrival (no separate adjustment), but can take longer up front. The right choice depends on where you are, how soon you want to be together, and your timeline.
Planning your K-1 budget
Map out both stages before you start so the post-marriage adjustment fee does not surprise you. Keep originals and certified translations organized, schedule the medical exam only with an embassy-approved physician, and check current fees on USCIS and the State Department right before each filing.
Use our free Visa Cost Calculator to estimate your specific total, and see our K-1 processing time guide to plan the timeline alongside the budget.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Fee Item | Amount | Who Pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F USCIS petition fee | $675 | US citizen petitioner | Petition for alien fiancé(e) |
| SEVIS fee (Form I-901) | $350 | Beneficiary / fiancé(e) | Paid online before DS-160 |
| DS-160 visa application / MRV fee | $185 | Beneficiary | At embassy or consulate |
| Medical exam (civil surgeon abroad) | $200–$400 | Beneficiary | Required at USCIS-approved physician |
| Police certificates + translations | $50–$300 | Beneficiary | Varies by country |
| Immigration attorney — K-1 stage (optional) | $1,200–$2,500 | Petitioner | Flat fee for full K-1 service |
| I-485 Adjustment of Status (after marriage) | $1,440 | Both | Includes I-765 EAD + I-131 AP |
| AOS attorney — I-485 stage (optional) | $1,500–$3,000 | Both | Separate from K-1 attorney |
| K-1 stage gov't fees total (excl. attorney) | ≈ $1,210–$1,610 | — | Varies by country and circumstances |
| Total end-to-end (K-1 + AOS, gov't only) | ≈ $2,650–$3,050 | — | Excl. attorney fees |
Related Questions
What is the total cost of a K-1 fiancé visa?
Roughly $1,000–$2,000 in government and medical fees for the visa itself, plus about $1,440 for the adjustment-of-status filing after marriage — commonly $2,500–$3,500 all in, before optional attorney fees.
Does the K-1 visa include the green card?
No. The K-1 only admits your fiancé(e) to the US to marry. After the wedding, the spouse must separately apply for a green card through adjustment of status, which has its own fee.
Is the medical exam included in the K-1 fee?
No. The medical exam is paid directly to an embassy-approved panel physician and typically costs $200–$500, separate from government fees.
Is a K-1 cheaper than a spouse (CR-1) visa?
They often cost a similar amount overall. The CR-1 spouse visa grants a green card on arrival with no separate adjustment step, while the K-1 requires the extra adjustment-of-status filing after marriage.
Do I need a lawyer for a K-1 visa?
Not required. Many straightforward K-1 cases are filed without an attorney. Legal help (typically $1,500–$3,000) can reduce mistakes for complex situations.
Official Sources
- USCIS – Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
- US Dept. of State – Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) (K-1)
- USCIS – Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source before acting.