Hidden cost of processing a K1 Visa

[PWB 213]

Recently we were knocked backwards on the processing of our Adjustment of Status.  As you are aware the initial cost for the processing of the AOS  is $1225.00 USD.  What is not as well known is the cost  of processing the I-693, that document, which is seldom discussed here on VJ,  proved to be very costly,  We originally paid in excess of $450,00 for the first I-693, but to our surprise after our AOS interview we receive a  poorly written RFE requiring that we submit a new I-693.  This second I-693 cost over $850.00.   Not only the money, but up to a 90 day delay in processing the AOS.  All of this through no fault of our own.  When you are wondering if a K-1 is for you, or a CR-I would work better you need to consider the cost and frustration of K-1 processing.

[Rocio0010 5,580]

You have to shop around for the medical exam. Different doctors, different fees. I paid mine not more than $200

33 minutes ago, PWB said:

When you are wondering if a K-I is for you, or a CR-I would work better you need to consider the cost and frustration of K-I processing.

That’s been written over and over here in VJ

[Mike E 11,741]

So why did you need an I-693? Most I-485 cases from K-1 do not. 

[PWB 213]

52 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

You have to shop around for the medical exam. Different doctors, different fees. I paid mine not more than $200

That’s been written over and over here in VJ

Nice if you have a choice.  We had to travel 160miles to find a doctor.

[PWB 213]

6 minutes ago, Mike E said:

So why did you need an I-693? Most I-485 cases from K-1 do not. 

I wish I knew the answer to that.  I did not write the RFE.  Every thing just seemed to be redundant. 

[PWB 213]

55 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

You have to shop around for the medical exam. Different doctors, different fees. I paid mine not more than $200

That’s been written over and over here in VJ

Not so much written about the I-693.  A lot written about the overall drawback of the K1 vs CR1.

[JeanneAdil 6,579]

it will be very helpful if u respond to posts when someone says K1 or CR1

we try to point out the CR1 and all advantages but not all are apparent 

 

but why so far for a dr 

there is a list of dr's for I 693  for Dallas

prices vary from $180 for exam to 300 

but the is :

$220 for physical and fill out the form

$420 for complete exam,  blood work ,  fill out the form and vaccinations

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

[Verrou 1,962]

$175x2 for me. ( total $350 for bloodwork and doctor ) and I got nice surprise because I’m TB latent positive I have to fork out $450 for chest X-ray. $800 😭

[Redro 4,611]

6 hours ago, PWB said:

Recently we were knocked backwards on the processing of our Adjustment of Status.  As you are aware the initial cost for the processing of the AOS  is $1225.00 USD.  What is not as well known is the cost  of processing the I-693, that document, which is seldom discussed here on VJ,  proved to be very costly,  We originally paid in excess of $450,00 for the first I-693, but to our surprise after our AOS interview we receive a  poorly written RFE requiring that we submit a new I-693.  This second I-693 cost over $850.00.   Not only the money, but up to a 90 day delay in processing the AOS.  All of this through no fault of our own.  When you are wondering if a K-I is for you, or a CR-I would work better you need to consider the cost and frustration of K-I processing.

Frustration and delays and unforeseen costs happen in the US with K1. 

Frustration and delays and unforeseen costs happen overseas with IR1/CR1.

Not everyone will have the same RFE and ridiculous costs with I-693 but it is something to consider.

I have noticed some people actually prefer K1 because the full medical/vaccination process doesn't have to happen overseas and they're looking to file a waiver... 

 

Medicals in Korea cost about $400-$500. Not sure about other countries... 

Edited May 4, 2022 by ROK2USA

[PWB 213]

2 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

it will be very helpful if u respond to posts when someone says K1 or CR1

we try to point out the CR1 and all advantages but not all are apparent 

 

but why so far for a dr 

there is a list of dr's for I 693  for Dallas

prices vary from $180 for exam to 300 

but the is :

$220 for physical and fill out the form

$420 for complete exam,  blood work ,  fill out the form and vaccinations

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

We are about in the middle of Dallas and Houston and our first Doctor retired.

[Joyoussinger 1,425]

If you could share with us exactly what the RFE says, we may be able to offer some advice about it.  If it's only because your vaccinations are not complete, you may be able to save some money. 

 

[beloved_dingo 1,979]

2 hours ago, Joyoussinger said:

If you could share with us exactly what the RFE says, we may be able to offer some advice about it.  If it's only because your vaccinations are not complete, you may be able to save some money. 

 

It sounds like it is too late, and they've already paid all the money for the 2 exams and responded to the RFE (unless I am misreading the OP). 

 

But it is always good advice to post here about RFEs to get feedback and advice before responding and potentially forking out hundreds of dollars. 

[Rocio0010 5,580]

19 hours ago, PWB said:

I wish I knew the answer to that.  I did not write the RFE.  Every thing just seemed to be redundant. 

Please post exactly what the RFE says, blurring personal information. It sounds like you got a generic one.

[PWB 213]

14 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Please post exactly what the RFE says, blurring personal information. It sounds like you got a generic one.

First paragraph stated that the I-693 was incomplete because of missing immunization and I needed to submit an updated I-693.   Then the fourth paragraph said my wife needed to have a TDAP vaccination.  Knowing the doctor we used the first time was no longer available I was concerned about how to validate the I-693.  I called USCIS and was told that she would only need the vaccination and would not be required to complete the entire physical.   Once we found a new doctor he required a complete new physical, immunization's, blood work and  chest x-ray.   

[Rocio0010 5,580]

1 minute ago, PWB said:

First paragraph stated that the I-693 was incomplete because of missing immunization and I needed to submit an updated I-693.   Then the fourth paragraph said my wife needed to have a TDAP vaccination.  Knowing the doctor we used the first time was no longer available I was concerned about how to validate the I-693.  I called USCIS and was told that she would only need the vaccination and would not be required to complete the entire physical.   Once we found a new doctor he required a complete new physical, immunization's, blood work and  chest x-ray.   

But is the RFE only about the I-693? My understanding is you should not need one because you are a K1 and already did the medical. I will let others chime in.