If you're a U.S. citizen planning to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States on a K-1 visa, one of the first questions you'll ask is a practical one: what does it cost? The honest answer is that the K-1 is not a single fee — it's a multi-stage journey, and the government charges a separate fee at each stage.
A note before we begin. The figures on this page are U.S. government fees only — the amounts paid to federal agencies like USCIS and the Department of State. They are not Altius Law's attorney fees. We don't publish attorney fees on our website, because every case is different and the right fee depends on the specifics of your situation. For a quote tailored to your case, book a consultation.
The K-1 Is a Multi-Stage Process
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa gets your partner into the U.S. so you can marry within 90 days — but it isn't the end of the road. To become a permanent resident (green card holder), your spouse then applies for adjustment of status after the wedding. That means government fees show up at three distinct points:
- The petition stage — you file Form I-129F with USCIS.
- The visa stage abroad — your fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate and completes a required medical exam.
- The green card stage — after marriage, your spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status.
For a full walkthrough of how these stages fit together, see our guide on the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process.
Stage 1: The I-129F Petition (USCIS)
The process begins when the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS. This is the government's official request to classify your partner as your fiancé(e) for immigration purposes.
| Form | What it's for | Government fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (K-1) | $675 |
The I-129F carries a single filing fee — there is no separate paper vs. online price for this form. Fee as of July 2026 — set by USCIS and subject to change. Verify the current amount on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS Fee Calculator.
Stage 2: The K-1 Visa and Medical Exam (Department of State)
Once USCIS approves the I-129F, the case moves overseas. Your fiancé(e) applies for the actual K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and the fees at this stage are charged by the Department of State, not USCIS. There are two main costs to plan for:
- The nonimmigrant visa application fee. The Department of State charges a fee to process the K-1 visa application. We don't quote a dollar figure here because this amount is set and updated by the Department of State — always confirm the current fee directly on travel.state.gov.
- The required medical examination. Every K-1 applicant must complete a medical exam with a physician authorized by the embassy or consulate. The cost is set by the individual panel physician and varies by country and clinic — it is not a fixed government fee. Your fiancé(e) pays the physician directly. Check the instructions from the specific U.S. embassy or consulate for details on approved doctors and pricing.
Because these amounts vary and change over time, the safest approach is to rely on the official Department of State guidance at travel.state.gov rather than any third-party estimate.
Stage 3: Adjustment of Status — the Green Card (USCIS)
After you marry within the 90-day window, your spouse applies for a green card from inside the U.S. by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. This is where the largest single government fee in the K-1 journey usually appears.
| Form | Filing method | Government fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-485 | Paper filing | $1,440 |
| I-485 | Online filing | $1,390 |
Filing online generally costs $50 less than filing on paper. Fees as of July 2026 — set by USCIS and subject to change. Confirm current amounts on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS Fee Calculator.
Quick Reference: Government Fees Across the K-1 Journey
| Stage | Form / cost | Agency | Government fee (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Petition | I-129F | USCIS | $675 |
| 2. Visa abroad | K-1 visa application fee | Dept. of State | See travel.state.gov |
| 2. Visa abroad | Medical examination | Panel physician | Varies — set by the physician |
| 3. Green card | I-485 (paper) | USCIS | $1,440 |
| 3. Green card | I-485 (online) | USCIS | $1,390 |
USCIS fees are drawn from the official Form G-1055 fee schedule and Fee Calculator. All fees are set by the government and can change at any time.
Is the K-1 the Right Path for You?
The K-1 isn't the only way to bring a partner to the U.S. If you're already married — or open to marrying abroad — a marriage-based green card may be a better fit, and it comes with a different set of forms and fees. We compare the two routes in Fiancé Visa or Marriage Green Card: Which Is Right for You in 2026?.
Choosing the right path, filing the right forms, and paying the right fees at the right time can save you months of delay. Our family-based immigration team can map out the full process for your situation and give you a clear quote for our services.
Ready to get started? Book an initial consultation or contact us to talk through your K-1 journey.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It describes U.S. government filing fees, not Altius Law's attorney fees. Government fees are set by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and are subject to change; the amounts shown are accurate as of July 2026 — always confirm current fees on the official USCIS and travel.state.gov websites. For advice specific to your situation, please schedule a consultation.