How much does the whole K-1 Visa process cost?

[twohearts 0]

Hello all,

This is a really great forum, thanking everyone in advance for their advice and support!

So my fiance and I are wondering about a couple things...

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

Again thank you so much!!! I hope and pray that everyone on this forum will have a quick and painless fiance visa process!

Sincerely,

Two Hearts

[twohearts 0]

also, I forgot to include this question as well:

My fiance is currently unemployed. Will this effect him getting a fiance visa? I assume that if he gets work soon that will look better on the application, but what if he is unable to find any work?

Thanks!!!

[blue123 0]

Hello all,

This is a really great forum, thanking everyone in advance for their advice and support!

So my fiance and I are wondering about a couple things...

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

Look at the embassy web page it should give you information on cost of medical and visa. You also may have to have vaccinations. $1010 for AOS once you arrive.

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

Depends on the embassy.

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

Try to go for a visit and get some.

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

Again this depends on how many they will need for the medical, also what kind they accept some ask for US passport size for everything some for medical will accept regular passport size from country you are in.

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

Shouldn't make any difference.

Again thank you so much!!! I hope and pray that everyone on this forum will have a quick and painless fiance visa process!

Sincerely,

Two Hearts

You need to do a lot of reading and research, read the guides on VJ they will be a great help.

[SirJon 0]

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

The medical will cost €317. US style passport photos will cost around €10-15 for 2. There are places in Dublin that take the correct size needed.

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

Sure! Although I don't believe you will be able to participate, but at least you can be there for moral support and to receive the good news.

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

I'm sure those VJers who have not met in person or neglected to take snaps of themselves together will be able to answer this a little better, but just make sure that your application has plenty of evidence that you have a bona fide relationship (emails, phone records), and I am sure you will be fine. They are completely aware of relationships developing online, and not everyone gets to meet face to face.

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

I think I needed six for my application.

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

That will come down to the interview stage. As long as you are a consenting adult, and are able to meet the criteria for support, then it should be okay. Hopefully, by the time you get to the interview stage you parents will have come around to the idea. You have to remember that there is still a stigma in some peoples minds about meeting over the internet.

Good luck on your application!

Edited May 12, 2009 by SirJon

[Wis-Can 0]

Welcome to VJ! I don't think anyone on here can give you an exact total of what it would costs, as there are a lot of "little" things. For me and my honey, we just got our K1 Visa and to-date we have spent close to $2500. But there is alot that makes up that total from the initial filing fee, postage, fees for letter from the bank, hotel while awaiting interview, gas to get to the interview, meals while away, medical cost, visa fee, and on and on. Hopefully someone that is familiar with your benficiary's country can give you a better idea of what it cost them.

As far as attending the interview, again, will depend. Each has their own set of rules in regards to this. I only noticed by reading other posts.

Pictures, we only had two of us together.

Passport Photo's the benificary needs more then the petitioner, read the guides at the top. I can't remember off hand. The petitioner only needs them for the initial filing, but the benificary needs them for the initial, medical and interview. Again, this may vary due to the benificary's country.

If the petitioner makes enough money for the affid.of support and you don't need your family or friends then how they feel about your marriage really has no bearing on your petition. Its about the two of you. And if you do need a co-sponsor you'll just have to find one that is willing to help you two be together.

Hopefully someone else will come along and give you some more answers. Take care.

[SirJon 0]

also, I forgot to include this question as well:

My fiance is currently unemployed. Will this effect him getting a fiance visa? I assume that if he gets work soon that will look better on the application, but what if he is unable to find any work?

Thanks!!!

I wouldn't think the fact that he is unemployed would affect his chances of getting a fiance visa. After all, the employment situation is not great in Ireland at the moment, and if he was working, he would be giving up whatever employment he has here. As long as you are able to meet the criteria for supprt, then all should be well.

[twohearts 0]

Thank you soooo much Sir Jon, Wis-can and blue 123 for your warm welcome for me to VJ and super speedy and really helpful replies!!

I am really glad I can go with my fiance to the interview and knowing more about the cost and all things involved certainly brings the stress level down!

Thanks again!!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello all,

This is a really great forum, thanking everyone in advance for their advice and support!

So my fiance and I are wondering about a couple things...

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

Again thank you so much!!! I hope and pray that everyone on this forum will have a quick and painless fiance visa process!

Sincerely,

Two Hearts

1. Depends on Country for medical, you need an Ireland specific answer. $131 for visa fee. $1010 for AOS when he arrives and you are married

2. Usually yes, though it is the beneficiary's interview. Sometimes they do not allow you in the interview "area". Some consulates do not allow you in the building, I doubt that for Ireland. I was allowed in the interview, but it was nothing really. I mean nothing...really, but I was glad to be there and highly recommend it

3. Yes. Though photos are not considered "primary" evidence, your travel documents are considered primary evidence. I am not aware of anyone getting an approval without photos. You will likely get an RFE for evidence of having met prior to filing the petition. You need what is known as the "$1500 photo". Bon Voyage!

4. You will need ONE passport photo for the I-129f. For him, get a dozen. Do not worry about the rules that say "within 30 days" We got 12 photos and used them throughout the process. You will be haninding them out like crazy, save yourself the trouble and get a bunch at once.

5. No, they couldn't care less. If you are over 18, you get to decide those things yourself.

Oh, and the beneficiary's income has nothing to do with it, they do not ask. Prince or Pauper all the same.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

The medical will cost €317. US style passport photos will cost around €10-15 for 2. There are places in Dublin that take the correct size needed.

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

Sure! Although I don't believe you will be able to participate, but at least you can be there for moral support and to receive the good news.

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

I'm sure those VJers who have not met in person or neglected to take snaps of themselves together will be able to answer this a little better, but just make sure that your application has plenty of evidence that you have a bona fide relationship (emails, phone records), and I am sure you will be fine. They are completely aware of relationships developing online, and not everyone gets to meet face to face.

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

I think I needed six for my application.

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

That will come down to the interview stage. As long as you are a consenting adult, and are able to meet the criteria for support, then it should be okay. Hopefully, by the time you get to the interview stage you parents will have come around to the idea. You have to remember that there is still a stigma in some peoples minds about meeting over the internet.

Good luck on your application!

Let's be very clear about something. You are absolutely required to have met in person BEFORE filing for the petition and to give primary and secondary evidence of that fact. The exceptions for this are extremely rare and you will not qualify for them. (they involve religious customs, for example, that do not exist in Ireland, at least not for more than 1000 years) You cannot, under any circumstances, make up for this with "letters, emails, phone logs" which are absolutely NOT evidence of meeting in person, they are exactly the opposite. Letters, emails and phone logs are not needed or requested for the petition. They are for "proof of ongoing relationship" at the interview stage, not for the petition. If your petition does not contain evidence of meeting, but lots of emails, etc. You will NOT be fine. You will have wasted $455. Plus the additional postage cost of sending items not needed.

USCIS does not care that you "met online" as long as you also met "in person" before filing the petition. It is absolutely 100% required. You can proudly and without worry say to question 18 "We met online and chatted, emailed, skyped (whatever) sent text messages and then I went to visit him on (date)", or "he came to visit me on (date)"

The interview stage will not be about your family. Except in some very rare cases of cultural traditions, again, not in Ireland, no questions about your family would be asked and the answers would be irrelevent if they did. I am not saying COs don't ask irrelevent questions, I am saying they are irrelevent to issuing the visa.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Gary and Alla

[SirJon 0]

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

The medical will cost €317. US style passport photos will cost around €10-15 for 2. There are places in Dublin that take the correct size needed.

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

Sure! Although I don't believe you will be able to participate, but at least you can be there for moral support and to receive the good news.

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

I'm sure those VJers who have not met in person or neglected to take snaps of themselves together will be able to answer this a little better, but just make sure that your application has plenty of evidence that you have a bona fide relationship (emails, phone records), and I am sure you will be fine. They are completely aware of relationships developing online, and not everyone gets to meet face to face.

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

I think I needed six for my application.

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

That will come down to the interview stage. As long as you are a consenting adult, and are able to meet the criteria for support, then it should be okay. Hopefully, by the time you get to the interview stage you parents will have come around to the idea. You have to remember that there is still a stigma in some peoples minds about meeting over the internet.

Good luck on your application!

Let's be very clear about something. You are absolutely required to have met in person BEFORE filing for the petition and to give primary and secondary evidence of that fact. The exceptions for this are extremely rare and you will not qualify for them. (they involve religious customs, for example, that do not exist in Ireland, at least not for more than 1000 years) You cannot, under any circumstances, make up for this with "letters, emails, phone logs" which are absolutely NOT evidence of meeting in person, they are exactly the opposite. Letters, emails and phone logs are not needed or requested for the petition. They are for "proof of ongoing relationship" at the interview stage, not for the petition. If your petition does not contain evidence of meeting, but lots of emails, etc. You will NOT be fine. You will have wasted $455. Plus the additional postage cost of sending items not needed.

USCIS does not care that you "met online" as long as you also met "in person" before filing the petition. It is absolutely 100% required. You can proudly and without worry say to question 18 "We met online and chatted, emailed, skyped (whatever) sent text messages and then I went to visit him on (date)", or "he came to visit me on (date)"

The interview stage will not be about your family. Except in some very rare cases of cultural traditions, again, not in Ireland, no questions about your family would be asked and the answers would be irrelevent if they did. I am not saying COs don't ask irrelevent questions, I am saying they are irrelevent to issuing the visa.

Yup. I should have been a little clearer. It is necessary to have met each other in person within the last two years. If you do not have photos of each other, then supplementary evidence of the fact such as boarding cards, credit card statements showing flights may suffice, but they do not actually show that the two of you have met, and you could run into problems. It could be worth while checking with friends or family, just in case there are any photos of the two of you together that you aren't aware of.

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Hello all,

This is a really great forum, thanking everyone in advance for their advice and support!

So my fiance and I are wondering about a couple things...

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

Again thank you so much!!! I hope and pray that everyone on this forum will have a quick and painless fiance visa process!

Sincerely,

Two Hearts

Alrighty, We just finished the K-1 process (he's on the flight over as we speak!) and he's Irish, so here's the specific answers for Irish K-1.

1. In America, $455 for petition, plus $1010 for AOS. In Ireland, €317 for medical, €107 (or 105, can't remember) for Visa, €5 in postage, €15 give or take for passport photos, €50 train to Dublin, I can't remember if he paid for his police report, but I think he just took a stamped envelope, no charge. The Irish part is really pretty cheap compared to the American costs.

2. In Dublin, Yes.

3. It would definitely be better, but I think you'd have more of a problem from the USCIS than the Dublin Embassy. You should definitely try to get some. Maybe not quite so much of an issue if you can include color copies of your passports showing one of you has been to the other's country. If neither of you has been to the other (or a mutual country where you met face to face) you can't get a K-1.

4. Roughly 5 or 6.

5. As long as you make $18k+ they could have divorced you as a child and no one would care. If you make less than that you'll need a cosponsor, but even then you could get someone else, a friend or someone else close to you.

As someone else said, if you do enough reading around VJ and the embassy website you'll find all this stuff. It can be confusing, just read as much as possible.

[pushbrk 12,969]

Hello all,

This is a really great forum, thanking everyone in advance for their advice and support!

So my fiance and I are wondering about a couple things...

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

Again thank you so much!!! I hope and pray that everyone on this forum will have a quick and painless fiance visa process!

Sincerely,

Two Hearts

This web page does a good job of laying out the government fees and when they are paid.

http://www.fianceandspousevisa.com/FEES.html

[twohearts 0]

Wow!

Thanks everyone for their very helpful answers to my questions...

Just one more..

for the G-325A, is it ok to type it out on a typewriter or do would the USCIS rather have it in our own handwriting?

[Mike B. 231]

1. how much is the whole process going to cost us?

I know that the I-129 form filing fee is $455.00. But how much will my fiance have to pay for his medical exam, how much will he have to pay at the time of interview, and also how much for any other forms?

The medical will cost €317. US style passport photos will cost around €10-15 for 2. There are places in Dublin that take the correct size needed.

2. Also can I go with my fiance to his interview? I would like to be there if at all possible...

Sure! Although I don't believe you will be able to participate, but at least you can be there for moral support and to receive the good news.

and we don't have any photos of the two of us together. 3. Will not having photos of the two of us together jeopordize our I-129F form approval?

I'm sure those VJers who have not met in person or neglected to take snaps of themselves together will be able to answer this a little better, but just make sure that your application has plenty of evidence that you have a bona fide relationship (emails, phone records), and I am sure you will be fine. They are completely aware of relationships developing online, and not everyone gets to meet face to face.

4. how many little passport photos will each of us need to get made for the entire process?

I think I needed six for my application.

And one last question...for now...LOL... 5. What happens if my immediate family (my parents) are not in 100% support of our planned marriage? Will that be a problem for my fiance and I in terms of getting K-1 approval?

That will come down to the interview stage. As long as you are a consenting adult, and are able to meet the criteria for support, then it should be okay. Hopefully, by the time you get to the interview stage you parents will have come around to the idea. You have to remember that there is still a stigma in some peoples minds about meeting over the internet.

Good luck on your application!

Let's be very clear about something. You are absolutely required to have met in person BEFORE filing for the petition and to give primary and secondary evidence of that fact. The exceptions for this are extremely rare and you will not qualify for them. (they involve religious customs, for example, that do not exist in Ireland, at least not for more than 1000 years) You cannot, under any circumstances, make up for this with "letters, emails, phone logs" which are absolutely NOT evidence of meeting in person, they are exactly the opposite. Letters, emails and phone logs are not needed or requested for the petition. They are for "proof of ongoing relationship" at the interview stage, not for the petition. If your petition does not contain evidence of meeting, but lots of emails, etc. You will NOT be fine. You will have wasted $455. Plus the additional postage cost of sending items not needed.

USCIS does not care that you "met online" as long as you also met "in person" before filing the petition. It is absolutely 100% required. You can proudly and without worry say to question 18 "We met online and chatted, emailed, skyped (whatever) sent text messages and then I went to visit him on (date)", or "he came to visit me on (date)"

The interview stage will not be about your family. Except in some very rare cases of cultural traditions, again, not in Ireland, no questions about your family would be asked and the answers would be irrelevent if they did. I am not saying COs don't ask irrelevent questions, I am saying they are irrelevent to issuing the visa.

Yep. This. Even if your religion and culture strongly discourage you from meeting your fiancee, that's not enough. They have to absolutely prohibit it. Unless you can prove that you are a member of some particularly fundementalist sect of Islam or something like that, USCIS is going to absolutely demand that you produce evidence that you have met your finacee in person.

[pushbrk 12,969]

Wow!

Thanks everyone for their very helpful answers to my questions...

Just one more..

for the G-325A, is it ok to type it out on a typewriter or do would the USCIS rather have it in our own handwriting?

Actually, it's far better to use this pdf file. You can save the changes. Just fill out page one and the rest autofills.

Well, the file is too big to upload for some reason but the downloadable version autofills but doesn't allow you to save unless you have the full version of Acrobat.

Edited May 12, 2009 by pushbrk