So, How Much Have You Spent?

[We Are The Art 46]

Greetings to all,

First, let me start by saying that as far as I personally am concerned, the money required to eventually bring a foriegn national fiance'/fiancee' to America is a secondary concern at best. Securing true love and marriage to your soulmate is literally priceless. But as we all know, money is an important factor for many reasons. From the initial normal costs involved with dating when you first meet, to the money required to pay the numerous fee's, to the legal financial commitment you must sign to guarantee the future support of your fiance'/fiancee' throughout, the costs do add up very quickly. Money is an integral and essential part of the entire process, without an adequate and continuous supply, this "journey" would be impossible. Literally.

With that said; I'm curious about just how much the average petitioner actually does spend when all is said and done. There are of course many variables and no two cases are alike but, I thought I'd ask for the input of anyone interested enough to reply.

To answer this question, you may be as detailed or as general as you wish. The more info the better, just try to include all of the expenses involved in your answer. Some factors to consider; When did you first meet? What stage of the Visa Journey are you currently at now? How much have you spent on airfare? How much on hotel stays and food? Do you financially support your fiance'/fiancee' while waiting for the visa to be issued? Have there been any medical expenses along the way? What additional related expenses do you expect to incurr in the near future? Etc..etc.. Again, there are many variables and you may be as detailed as you wish, the more info included the better.

If you take into consideration all of the actual expenses involved, I think you may be surprised by your own answers.

NOTE: This is not a pissing contest or a game of boasting, please be honest in your replies. I'm simply curious and often wonder about the impact all of these expenses have on a new couple who are beginning their new life together. I further wonder if the U.S. Govt. realizes the extent of the financial burden placed on people who must comply with the legal immigration requirements in order to be with the one they love.

I'll get it started by saying; To date; I have spent approximately $20,000.00 (I don't keep a running tally) since we first met in early 2011. She is worth every penny and then some!

Thanks in advance for all replies.

[TBoneTX 45,522]

Several thousand dollars.

Another VJ member (amigo of mine, who has also married an Ecuatoriana) says that he lost at least $10,000 in taxes, from not being able to file as married. We both blame the ####### Guayaquil consulate for this and for many other things.

[Moomin 292]

I'm the beneficiary and we split the costs depending on who had the most cash available at the time of each stage. I generally had a bigger income overseas and paid for everything before moving. Total cost of visiting, petition, visa-related traveling and moving ran close to 15.000. After moving, my husband covered all immigration related costs. That includes wedding, papers for AOS and general costs until I my first job.

Everything taking into consideration, it's probably more. Too many factors for me to remember and too many not directly related to the proces but still there. Internet bill, phone calls. I'm still moving some stuff over from home country slowly, and the process after getting greencard isn't done.

[We Are The Art 46]

Thanks for the replies, it seems an average cost is beginning to develop.

[Reyan 56]

I would guess I spent over $30k by the time my wife arrived to the US.

[codygrace 14]

Hmmm. Good question!

Travels: About $250 each time (which I'm grateful it wasn't more) so about $2500

He's spent about the same, $2500

Paperwork so far: $800~

Traveling to Montreal: $400 (but I redeemed $200 from my travel credit card!)

Exporting vehicle: $580 so far

Approximate total: $6780

Bonus! Wedding costs so far: $2000.00 (dress, church and venue)

[ca_babe 129]

When did you first meet?

2004 at work.

What stage of the Visa Journey are you currently at now?

Naturalized in 2009. Working on petitioning my mother IR-5.

How much have you spent on airfare?

Please see itemized list.

How much on hotel stays and food?

Please see itemized list.

Do you financially support your fiance'/fiancee' while waiting for the visa to be issued?

I had a job then. I could support myself and my husband(fiance) at the time should he had chosen to move to Philippines.

Have there been any medical expenses along the way?

The company I was working for in Philippines covers 100% health insurance. No co-pays, no co-insurance, no health insurance premiums. There's an in-house clinic at the corporate office and a drugstore as well. When I was sick, I booked an appointment through our Outlook and then go down to the clinic. The doctor then submits the prescription online if any and then I show my company ID to pick up the medicine next door. They have x-ray machines, ultrasound, and dental office in the same complex as well. They also have equipment for minor surgeries. It's the best company that I've ever worked for when it comes to health insurance.

What additional related expenses do you expect to incurr in the near future?

Been here for over 7 years, this is probably not applicable to me anymore.

Looks like I'm bringing down the average.

I-129F $165.00

NBI Clearance $2.30

Police Clearance $5.00

pictures for evidence $27.94

passport photos $22.00

Visa Petition Fee $100.00

Medical Exam $95.00

Printing of Interview Documents $24.00

CFO Seminar Fee (required for PH immigrants) $5.00

CFO Stamp Processing Fee $5.00

Plane Tickets $1,500.00

Vacation Trip to Bohol $400.00

Tetanus vaccination supplement $40.00

I-485 $315.00

I-765 $175.00

Marriage License $70.00

Fingerprinting fee for AOS $70.00

CA State ID $21.00

Learner's Permit $25.00

Passport Amendment to Married Name $20.00

Report of Marriage to Philippines $25.00

Wedding at church $0.00

Wedding reception for 9 people at PF Changs $164.00

Wedding dress $50.00

Tuxedo $576.00

Wedding rings $1,065.00

Cost to iron the wedding dress $50.00

Hair styled $40.00

Wedding bouquet $75.00

Boutenniere $7.00

Wedding pictures $300.00

Honeymoon $438.00 (Disneyland [$10 parking, $112 tickets, $50 food],

Universal Studios [$10 parking, $188 tickets, $20 food],

SeaWorld [$8 parking, combined tickets w/ Universal, $20 food], $20 gas)

TOTAL $5,877.24

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

All of it. Simple answer. It costs more when they arrive.

[We Are The Art 46]

When did you first meet?

2004 at work.

What stage of the Visa Journey are you currently at now?

Naturalized in 2009. Working on petitioning my mother IR-5.

How much have you spent on airfare?

Please see itemized list.

How much on hotel stays and food?

Please see itemized list.

Do you financially support your fiance'/fiancee' while waiting for the visa to be issued?

I had a job then. I could support myself and my husband(fiance) at the time should he had chosen to move to Philippines.

Have there been any medical expenses along the way?

The company I was working for in Philippines covers 100% health insurance. No co-pays, no co-insurance, no health insurance premiums. There's an in-house clinic at the corporate office and a drugstore as well. When I was sick, I booked an appointment through our Outlook and then go down to the clinic. The doctor then submits the prescription online if any and then I show my company ID to pick up the medicine next door. They have x-ray machines, ultrasound, and dental office in the same complex as well. They also have equipment for minor surgeries. It's the best company that I've ever worked for when it comes to health insurance.

What additional related expenses do you expect to incurr in the near future?

Been here for over 7 years, this is probably not applicable to me anymore.

Looks like I'm bringing down the average.

I-129F $165.00

NBI Clearance $2.30

Police Clearance $5.00

pictures for evidence $27.94

passport photos $22.00

Visa Petition Fee $100.00

Medical Exam $95.00

Printing of Interview Documents $24.00

CFO Seminar Fee (required for PH immigrants) $5.00

CFO Stamp Processing Fee $5.00

Plane Tickets $1,500.00

Vacation Trip to Bohol $400.00

Tetanus vaccination supplement $40.00

I-485 $315.00

I-765 $175.00

Marriage License $70.00

Fingerprinting fee for AOS $70.00

CA State ID $21.00

Learner's Permit $25.00

Passport Amendment to Married Name $20.00

Report of Marriage to Philippines $25.00

Wedding at church $0.00

Wedding reception for 9 people at PF Changs $164.00

Wedding dress $50.00

Tuxedo $576.00

Wedding rings $1,065.00

Cost to iron the wedding dress $50.00

Hair styled $40.00

Wedding bouquet $75.00

Boutenniere $7.00

Wedding pictures $300.00

Honeymoon $438.00 (Disneyland [$10 parking, $112 tickets, $50 food],

Universal Studios [$10 parking, $188 tickets, $20 food],

SeaWorld [$8 parking, combined tickets w/ Universal, $20 food], $20 gas)

TOTAL $5,877.24

Nice! Thanks for the detailed reply.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

When did you first meet?

2004 at work.

What stage of the Visa Journey are you currently at now?

Naturalized in 2009. Working on petitioning my mother IR-5.

How much have you spent on airfare?

Please see itemized list.

How much on hotel stays and food?

Please see itemized list.

Do you financially support your fiance'/fiancee' while waiting for the visa to be issued?

I had a job then. I could support myself and my husband(fiance) at the time should he had chosen to move to Philippines.

Have there been any medical expenses along the way?

The company I was working for in Philippines covers 100% health insurance. No co-pays, no co-insurance, no health insurance premiums. There's an in-house clinic at the corporate office and a drugstore as well. When I was sick, I booked an appointment through our Outlook and then go down to the clinic. The doctor then submits the prescription online if any and then I show my company ID to pick up the medicine next door. They have x-ray machines, ultrasound, and dental office in the same complex as well. They also have equipment for minor surgeries. It's the best company that I've ever worked for when it comes to health insurance.

What additional related expenses do you expect to incurr in the near future?

Been here for over 7 years, this is probably not applicable to me anymore.

Looks like I'm bringing down the average.

I-129F $165.00

NBI Clearance $2.30

Police Clearance $5.00

pictures for evidence $27.94

passport photos $22.00

Visa Petition Fee $100.00

Medical Exam $95.00

Printing of Interview Documents $24.00

CFO Seminar Fee (required for PH immigrants) $5.00

CFO Stamp Processing Fee $5.00

Plane Tickets $1,500.00

Vacation Trip to Bohol $400.00

Tetanus vaccination supplement $40.00

I-485 $315.00

I-765 $175.00

Marriage License $70.00

Fingerprinting fee for AOS $70.00

CA State ID $21.00

Learner's Permit $25.00

Passport Amendment to Married Name $20.00

Report of Marriage to Philippines $25.00

Wedding at church $0.00

Wedding reception for 9 people at PF Changs $164.00

Wedding dress $50.00

Tuxedo $576.00

Wedding rings $1,065.00

Cost to iron the wedding dress $50.00

Hair styled $40.00

Wedding bouquet $75.00

Boutenniere $7.00

Wedding pictures $300.00

Honeymoon $438.00 (Disneyland [$10 parking, $112 tickets, $50 food],

Universal Studios [$10 parking, $188 tickets, $20 food],

SeaWorld [$8 parking, combined tickets w/ Universal, $20 food], $20 gas)

TOTAL $5,877.24

:thumbs:

Wow, down to the Tee!

[codygrace 14]

How did you manage that?! I am not going to bust out the file folder to break it down that much haha.

[ca_babe 129]

How did you manage that?! I am not going to bust out the file folder to break it down that much haha.

We were keeping track of our expenses and making a budget in order to make sure that we'll have money to cover our known expenses and save extra for unanticipated ones. I had it saved in our file server so I just checked out our archive.

[We Are The Art 46]

We were keeping track of our expenses and making a budget in order to make sure that we'll have money to cover our known expenses and save extra for unanticipated ones. I had it saved in our file server so I just checked out our archive.

Well Done!

[Tigre&Tigresa 11]

I've probably spent around $10,000 on travels only. In the actual visa process, around 500 so far. Keep in mind we just started. How much do you think one expects to spend after the K1 is approved? (without wedding costs, I mean only the fees and stuff)

[We Are The Art 46]

I've probably spent around $10,000 on travels only. In the actual visa process, around 500 so far. Keep in mind we just started. How much do you think one expects to spend after the K1 is approved? (without wedding costs, I mean only the fees and stuff)

That depends on many factors, but as for the actual fee's and related costs you can expect another 1K or so depending on the country involved. The fee's are actually the least of it, it's all the other expenses that add up.