A common question asked to immigration lawyers is: How much does the marriage visa process cost?
Most know some of the costs – but not all of the costs. The following costs occur when a foreign national spouse is outside of the United States. This blog has already discussed the costs when the foreign national spouse is inside the United States.
If you are unclear on the Marriage Visa Process itself, please review the firm’s Marriage Visa Flow Chart – it will help you understand the costs below.
If you have any questions, please contact a marriage visa immigration attorney for further explanations.
Marriage Visa Costs If Outside the United States
When a foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen is outside the United States, it is generally required that the couple apply for a marriage visa and then consular process to enter the United States as a permanent resident. This requires the following costs:
Initial Marriage Visa Petition Stage
Initially, a marriage visa petition will need to be submitted to the US immigration agency.
Government Filing Fees
$420 for the Marriage Visa Petition
Total Government Fees: $420
The filing fee for the marriage visa petition must be paid to the Government at the time that the application is submitted.
Marriage Visa Legal Fees
This fee varies from lawyer to lawyer. Most offer marriage visa services on a flat fee basis – but the level of service varies greatly between lawyers.
When dealing with a marriage visa lawyer it is important to make sure he or she is:
- Able and willing to do the process as fast as possible,
- Knowledgeable in the issues involved in handling Marriage Visa petitions, and
- Able to quickly respond to your questions and explain the process to you.
Please remember Gafner Immigration Law Firm provides assistance throughout the process.
National Visa Center Stage
After the USCIS approves the marriage visa petition, the petition is transferred to the Department of State’s National Visa Center. At this step, the State Department requires certain documents be sent to it.
Government Filing Fees
$230 Visa Processing Fee
$88 Affidavit of Support Fee
Consulate Interview Stage for Marriage Visa
Once the National Visa Center receives its required documents and fees, the NVC will schedule an interview at the local U.S. Consulate.
Medical Examination Fee for Marriage Visa
Most Marriage Visa applicants will need a medical examination completed by an approved medical physician. The cost charged by the physicians vary, but is generally around $200 t0 $300. Just please remember that the physician must be approved by the U.S. government to perform the physical examination.
Total Medical Examination Fees: $200-300 (varies)
For more information, please contact this Marriage Visa attorney.