Zee A fiancée visa, also known as a K-1 visa, allows a foreign national who is engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to get married. The process of obtaining a K-1 visa can be complex and time-consuming, and the cost of the visa varies depending on several factors.
How Much Is a Fiancée Visa for a Filipina: Costs to Consider
For a Filipina applying for a K-1 visa, the following costs must be considered:
- USCIS Filing Fee: The U.S. citizen petitioner must pay a filing fee of $535 for the K-1 visa petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when submitting Form I-129F.
- Consular Fee: The Filipina applicant must pay a visa application fee of $265 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines when applying for the K-1 visa.
- Medical Examination Fee: As part of the K-1 visa application process, the Filipina applicant must undergo a medical examination, which costs approximately $300.
- Other Expenses: Additional expenses associated with the K-1 visa application process may include obtaining required documents, translation services, and travel expenses to attend the visa interview, among others. These costs can vary widely depending on individual circumstances.
It is important to note that the above costs are subject to change and may vary depending on the Filipina applicant’s location and specific circumstances. The K-1 visa process can take several months, adding to the overall cost of the visa.
Travel and Accommodation Expenses for Filipina Applicant Attending the U.S. Embassy in Manila for the Visa Interview
Apart from these costs, the Filipina applicant may also have to bear the expenses of traveling to the U.S. Embassy in Manila for the visa interview. The cost of travel and hotel stay can vary depending on the Filipina’s location in the Philippines and the duration of the stay.
Transportation costs range from a few hundred to several thousand pesos depending on the mode of transportation. A bus ride can cost as low as a few hundred pesos, while a flight can cost several thousand pesos. Moreover, the Filipina applicant will have to pay for hotel accommodation, which can vary widely in price. Budget hotels in Manila can cost around PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,000 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 per night. Additionally, the Filipina may have to cover other incidental expenses, such as meals and local transportation, during her stay in Manila.
If the U.S. citizen petitioner and Filipina applicant choose to hire a company to help them with the K-1 visa application process, there will be additional costs. These costs can vary widely depending on the company’s fees and services, but they can add up quickly.
For example, some companies charge several thousand dollars to assist with the K-1 visa application process, including preparing and filing the petition, obtaining required documents and translations, and scheduling the visa interview. These fees may not include additional expenses such as the visa application fee, medical examination fee, and travel expenses, which the Filipina applicant will still need to pay.
Pros and Cons of Completing the K-1 Visa Application Process Yourself vs. Hiring a Company
If the U.S. citizen petitioner and Filipina applicant decide to complete the K-1 Fiancée visa application process themselves, they can save money on the fees charged by a company. However, they will need to invest time and effort into researching the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and correctly completing and filing the forms. There is also a risk of making errors or omissions that could delay or even result in the denial of the visa application, which could end up costing more in the long run.
Hiring a company to assist with the K-1 visa application process can be more expensive, but it may save time and provide peace of mind. Completing the process, yourself can be more cost-effective, but it requires more effort and comes with a higher risk of errors or mistakes.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a K-1 visa for a Filipina can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial for the U.S. citizen petitioner and Filipina applicant to carefully consider these costs and plan accordingly before beginning the K-1 visa application process, including budgeting for the visa application, medical examination, and travel and hotel expenses if needed.
