Fiancé(e) Visa Fees

When embarking on a journey to marry a United States citizen, Thai fiancé(e)s often encounter a path filled with both excitement along with mandatory administrative tasks, one of the most significant ones being the understanding and management of the costs associated with the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa. This process, while a gateway to a reunified future, involves comprehending through various fees that are important in successfully obtaining the visa. 

For many, this financial aspect can seem challenging, with multiple charges and procedures to take note of. This article aims to simplify this aspect of the visa process, offering a clear and straightforward guide to the fees involved. By breaking down each cost, from application fees to medical examinations, we provide Thai fiancé(e)s with the knowledge needed to effectively plan their journey. Our goal is to present this information in a manner that is easy to understand, ensuring that you, as a reader and Thai fiancé(e) looking to immigrate to the States, are well-informed and prepared for the financial side of your visa application. With this guide, we hope to make one part of your journey toward a new life in the United States a little easier.

What is a Fiancé(e) Visa?

A fiancé(e) visa, officially termed the K-1 visa, is a special non-immigrant visa designed for Thai citizens who are engaged to US citizens. This visa allows you as the Thai fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the specific purpose of marriage. Upon arrival under this visa, you and your fiancé(e) have a strict, set period of 90 days to marry in order to fulfill the primary intent of the visa. After the wedding, you can then apply for permanent residency in the United States. This process, often referred to as obtaining a green card, marks a significant milestone, as it paves the way for you to live and build a new life alongside your partner. The K-1 visa thus not only unites you and your partner but also lays the foundation for your future together in America.

What are the Various Fees for the Fiancé(e) Visa?

There are multiple fees that applicants will need to spend money on as part of the process of acquiring their visa.

Visa Application Fee

The journey begins with the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). This form has to be filed by a US citizen and comes with an application filing fee of $535. It’s crucial to check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS website, as these fees can be updated.

Embassy Fee

Once the I-129F petition is approved, the next step is to apply for the K-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in Thailand. This stage involves an additional fee, known as the visa application fee or MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, which covers the processing of the visa application. The Embassy or MRV fee is currently $265. 

Medical Examination

A mandatory medical examination is required for you as the Thai fiancé(e). This examination, conducted by an approved physician, includes a general health check, vaccinations, and specific tests. The cost varies based on the medical facility and the specific requirements of the examination as well as your age. When completing your medical checkup in Thailand, you can expect to pay between 10,000 THB to 12,000 THB, or between $100 to $300. 

Proof of Financial Support

An essential part of the process is the demonstration of financial support. Your US partner must prove they can support you while you’re living in the United States. This requirement doesn’t have a direct fee but may necessitate gathering various financial documents, which could incur minor costs.

Travel Costs

The expenses for traveling to the United States are not covered by the visa fees. These costs can fluctuate based on factors like airline prices and the time of year. On average it could be between $500 to $1,500. It’s important for couples to budget for these travel expenses separately.

Adjustment of Status Fee

After the marriage, the Thai spouse needs to adjust their status to become a permanent resident. This involves filing Form I-485, with a fee of $1,140, plus a biometrics fee of $85, as of the last update.

Additional Considerations

• Attorney Fees: Hiring an attorney for guidance through the visa process is a common choice. These fees vary and add to the overall cost.
• Translation Fees: Documents in Thai must be translated into English. The cost depends on the document’s length and complexity.
• Legalization Fees: Some documents may need to be certified. Costs for these are expected to be around 400 THB per document. 
• Police Clearance Fees: Some applicants are required to conduct a criminal record check for assessment of their background. These are expected to cost between 100 to 2,200 THB. 
• Possible Additional Fees: Depending on individual circumstances, there may be other fees for obtaining certain documents or for additional processing steps.

What is the Detailed Breakdown of Costs?

To provide a clearer picture, let’s break down the costs in more detail:

• Application Filing Fee: This initial fee is a fixed cost of $535, paid when filing the I-129F form.
• Embassy Fee: This fee varies slightly by location but is generally around $265.
• Medical Examination: Typically, this can range from $100 to $300, depending on the medical tests required.
• Travel Costs: Flight prices from Thailand to the US can vary widely, often ranging from $500 to $1,500.
• Adjustment of Status Fee: This is a significant cost post-marriage, totaling $1,225 including the biometrics fee.
• Additional Costs: These must also be taken into consideration. 

Budgeting Tips

• Start Early: Begin saving for these fees as soon as you decide to pursue the fiancé(e) visa.
• Research Flights: Look for the best deals on flights well in advance.
• Consider Legal Costs: If you decide to hire an attorney, get quotes from several to find the best fit for your budget.

Conclusion

If you want to be able to handle your application journey in an easy and stress-free manner, understanding and preparing for the fees that you’ll need to pay is of utmost importance. From application fees to travel costs, Thai fiancé(e)s of US citizens need to plan their finances carefully. While the process involves several steps and costs, thorough preparation can simplify the journey, leading to a successful start to married life in the United States.