K-1 Fiance Visa Total Cost — Quick Summary 2026
$860
K-1 petition + visa fee (gov)
$3,900–$5,100
Total gov fees, K-1 to green card
$6,900–$13,100
Total with attorney fees
The K-1 fiance visa allows a US citizen to bring their foreign-national fiance to the United States. Once the fiance arrives, the couple must marry within 90 days, and the foreign-born spouse can then apply for a green card. Understanding the complete cost — from the initial petition through the green card — is essential for planning. Many couples are surprised to find the process costs $7,000–$13,000 when attorney fees are included.
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Open K-1 Cost Calculator →Not legal advice. Always verify fees at USCIS.gov/g-1055 before submitting payment.
The K-1 Process — Two Stages of Fees
The K-1 fiance visa process has two distinct stages, each with its own set of fees. Understanding this two-stage structure is key to budgeting correctly.
Stage 1: K-1 Visa (Getting to the US)
- US citizen files I-129F petition
- USCIS approves (6-14 months)
- Case sent to National Visa Center
- Fiance attends consulate interview abroad
- K-1 visa issued, fiance enters US
- Must marry within 90 days of entry
Stage 2: Green Card (After Marriage)
- After marriage, file I-485 for green card
- File I-765 for work authorization (EAD)
- File I-131 for travel document
- Second medical exam with US civil surgeon
- USCIS interview (typically combined)
- Green card approved (8-20 months)
Complete K-1 to Green Card Fee Breakdown — 2026
Stage 1: K-1 Visa Fees
| Fee | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| I-129F Petition fee | US citizen petitioner | $675 |
| DS-160 Immigrant Visa MRV fee | Fiance (pays at consulate) | $185 |
| Medical exam abroad (panel physician) | Fiance | $200–$500 |
| Visa Integrity Fee (if applicable) | Fiance (check with consulate) | $250 |
| Translation of documents | Fiance | $50–$300 |
| Travel to consulate for interview | Fiance | $100–$500+ |
| Stage 1 Subtotal (government fees only) | $1,110–$1,360 |
Stage 2: Green Card Fees (After Marriage)
| Fee | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| I-485 Adjustment of Status | Foreign spouse | $1,440 |
| I-765 Work Permit (EAD, initial) | Foreign spouse | $820 |
| I-131 Advance Parole (travel doc) | Foreign spouse | $630 |
| Medical exam US (civil surgeon, I-693) | Foreign spouse | $200–$500 |
| Translation of additional documents | If needed | $50–$200 |
| Stage 2 Subtotal (government fees only) | $2,890–$3,390 |
| Total Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| All government fees (Stage 1 + Stage 2) | $4,000–$4,750 |
| Attorney fees (K-1 petition through green card) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Realistic Total (K-1 through green card, with attorney) | $7,000–$12,750 |
K-1 vs. CR-1 Spouse Visa — Which Costs Less?
Couples who are already married have a choice: K-3 spouse visa (less common) or CR-1 immigrant visa (green card directly). Understanding the cost difference helps couples decide which path makes sense.
| Cost Item | K-1 Path | CR-1 Direct |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 or I-129F petition | $675 (I-129F) | $675 (I-130) |
| Immigrant visa or green card adjustment | $185 (DS-160) + $1,440 (I-485) | $325 (DS-260) + $235 (USCIS immigrant fee) |
| Work Permit (EAD) | $820 (I-765) | $0 (green card = work auth) |
| Travel document | $630 (I-131) | $0 (green card allows travel) |
| Medical exams | $400–$1,000 (2 exams) | $200–$500 (1 exam abroad) |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 (likely) | $0 (immigrant visa exempt) |
| Government fees total | $4,000–$4,750 | $1,235–$1,735 |
| Total with attorney fees | $7,000–$12,750 | $3,235–$5,735 |
Choose K-1 when:
- You are not yet married and want your fiance in the US faster
- Your country has long wait times for CR-1 visas
- You want to marry in the US
- The relationship is new (K-1 interview is easier with short engagement)
Choose CR-1 (direct green card) when:
- You are already married
- Cost is a major factor (saves $2,500-$7,000)
- Your spouse does not need to be in the US urgently
- You want your spouse to have immediate work authorization upon entry
K-1 Attorney Fees — Do You Need a Lawyer?
The K-1 fiance visa process is manageable without an attorney for straightforward cases — the USCIS forms are well-documented and many couples successfully self-file. However, an attorney significantly reduces the risk of errors that delay or derail the case.
| Attorney Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| I-129F petition only | $800–$2,000 |
| K-1 petition + consulate support | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Stage 2 only: I-485 + I-765 + I-131 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Full service (Stage 1 + Stage 2) | $3,000–$8,000 |
Self-file is reasonable when:
- Both petitioner and fiance have no criminal history
- No prior visa denials or immigration issues
- Straightforward romantic relationship, evidence of ongoing contact
- Neither has been married more than 2-3 times
- No income/financial complications for I-134 (sponsor)
Hire an attorney if:
- Either party has criminal history (any arrests)
- Petitioner has prior K-1 or immigration petitions
- Fiance has prior US visa denials
- Complex prior marriage situations
- Consulate known for difficult interviews (China, Nigeria, etc.)
- Fiance has previously overstayed a US visa
K-1 Timeline and When You Pay Each Fee
The K-1 process takes 12-24 months total. Fees are spread across that period. Here is when each major fee is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the K-1 visa cost in total in 2026?
The total K-1 fiance visa cost from petition to green card ranges from $4,000-$4,750 in government fees alone and $7,000-$12,750 with attorney fees. This includes the I-129F ($675), DS-160 ($185), medical exams abroad and in the US ($400-$1,000), and the full Adjustment of Status package ($2,890 in USCIS fees).
Is the K-1 visa cheaper than marrying abroad and filing a spouse visa?
No. The CR-1 direct spouse visa typically costs $1,235-$1,735 in government fees and $3,000-$5,500 with attorney fees — significantly less than the K-1 path. The K-1 advantage is speed of getting the fiance to the US; you do not have to be married first. Cost-conscious couples who are already married or willing to marry abroad first should consider CR-1.
Does the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee apply to K-1 visas?
The Visa Integrity Fee created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act applies to nonimmigrant visa applicants. The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa (technically), so the VIF may apply. This would add $250 to Stage 1 costs. Verify with the specific US consulate, as implementation details vary.
What if we cannot get married within 90 days?
The K-1 visa strictly requires marriage within 90 days of entry — there are no extensions. If the couple cannot marry in time, the foreign-born fiance must leave the US. The $675 I-129F fee is non-refundable. You would need to reapply from scratch. Plan the wedding well in advance of entry.
Can the K-1 fiance work in the US immediately?
No. The K-1 visa itself does not authorize work. After marriage, file I-485 and I-765 together. The I-765 EAD work permit typically takes 3-7 months to process. During that time, the spouse cannot legally work. Plan finances accordingly — budget for several months without the foreign-born spouse's income.
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