What are the costs "after" entering on a K-1

[slowlyman 118]

I've heard two numbers $1076, and $2200

What are the costs from AOS through citizenship?

[Pitaya 2,577]

Here are the form numbers for the usual steps from AOS to citizenship using the K-1 visa route: I-485, I-751, N-400.

Here is the USCIS site that lists the current fees associated with those forms:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Of course, that doesn't count other "incidental" fees, such as, medical exams and vaccinations, document preparation and certifications, licenses and fees, copying and mailing fees, transportation costs, etc. In conclusion, this endeavor is certainly not for the faint of heart, or light of wallet.

YMMV.

Good luck on your visa journey.

Edited June 30, 2013 by A&B

[Karee 4,190]

I've heard two numbers $1076, and $2200

What are the costs from AOS through citizenship?

AOS,EAD, and AP = $985 filing + $85 Bio = $1070 (Note you must file all three of them together. This way you only pay the AOS fee) If you don't file them together, then you have to pay for them separately.

ROC = $505 filing + $85 Bio = $590

Citizenship = $595 filing + $85 bio = $680

So total is $2340

[loughrey101 13]

I've heard two numbers $1076, and $2200

What are the costs from AOS through citizenship?

A very good question, I'd love to know that too.

[Sam and Fen 41]

The AOS/ROC fees are negligible compared to what your new wife will spend on things that she absolutely has to HAVE.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

Besides those numbers you should take in considerarion other documents like driver license. SSN it's free but also think in the costs of getting copies, translations and all the things you need for the further applucations. Also the wedding certificate (here in Florida is $100) and other cost if you are having a wedding. As a former k1 visa holder myself, the 1st year is the most expensive. My hubby spent a lot of money not only in terms of immigration but also to make sure I had everything I need (car, health and car insurance, driver's license, some clothes, etc etc) even when I brought everything I could, there's a lot of things I left behind (2 or 3 suitcases is not enough to move your life to another country)

Edited June 30, 2013 by Andrea&Henry

[slowlyman 118]

AOS,EAD, and AP = $985 filing + $85 Bio = $1070 (Note you must file all three of them together. This way you only pay the AOS fee) If you don't file them together, then you have to pay for them separately.

ROC = $505 filing + $85 Bio = $590

Citizenship = $595 filing + $85 bio = $680

So total is $2340

Karee, roughly what is the time interval between each of these steps. The guide isn't clear in this regard.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

Aos= you should file as soon as you can after get married, if you have an interview the whole process can take 5 or 6 month, but you can also be approved without interview but takes 7 to 11 month. ROC= when you receive your green card is just for 2 years. When your gc is about to expire is when you file for ROC (exactly 90 days BEFORE your green card expire, you can file). CITIZENSHIP= 3rd year of your greencard minus 90 days.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

AOS,EAD, and AP = $985 filing + $85 Bio = $1070 (Note you must file all three of them together. This way you only pay the AOS fee) If you don't file them together, then you have to pay for them separately.

ROC = $505 filing + $85 Bio = $590

Citizenship = $595 filing + $85 bio = $680

So total is $2340

Re the bolded portion above, no. If AP or EAD are filed while AOS is pending the fee is still waived. AP is not available prior to AOS, but while the EAD is, it is pointless spending the money as it expires when the I-94 does (as opposed to the one filed with AOS which is valid for a year).

[Andrea&Henry 311]

In my case my GC: april 2013-april 2015. ROC: abril 2015 Minus 90 days= january 2015. Citizenship= january 2016

[Karee 4,190]

Karee, roughly what is the time interval between each of these steps. The guide isn't clear in this regard.

I would suggest you do the AOS right after you get married. Otherwise after the 90 days are up, she'll be in a sort of limbo. She wont be able to drive (depending on the state) or work etc. Also, if she has to leave the country for any reason before she has AP, you pretty much have to start from scratch all over again. The main requirement is that you marry within 90 days of arrival in the U.S.

Once she gets the green card, it will have an issue date on it. You should file the ROC 1 year and 9 months after that date. You can't do it any sooner. This will result in her getting a 10 year green card.

You can file the citizenship 2 years and 9 months from the issue date of her ORIGINAL 2 year green card. I think even the 10 year green card says something like (Permanent resident since MM/DD/YYYY) So 2 years 9 months from that date.

[Karee 4,190]

Re the bolded portion above, no. If AP or EAD are filed while AOS is pending the fee is still waived. AP is not available prior to AOS, but while the EAD is, it is pointless spending the money as it expires when the I-94 does (as opposed to the one filed with AOS which is valid for a year).

Is there a reason someone would not file all 3 of them together? I'm curious. I can't think of one.

[gotham10011 1]

Is there a reason someone would not file all 3 of them together? I'm curious. I can't think of one.

I guess some people don't know they can file for EAD or AP..

[Messybrownhair 251]

Find a good and cheap doctor to transcribe your vaccines for AOS, coz a lot of them charge much for it also, all the preparations for these packets (copies, etc) are time-consuming and can get costly too. The good news is that there is a point where it all ends,just gotta sit and enjoy the ride lol

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Karee, roughly what is the time interval between each of these steps. The guide isn't clear in this regard.

AOS - After marriage to obtain first GC.

ROC - filed in the 90 days prior to the expiration date of the GC which is 2 years from approval (if you divorce in this time she needs to file as soon as the divorce is final).

N-400/USC - If you're still together, 3 years from the "resident since" date on the GC (minus 90 days). If you're no longer together, it's 5 years (minus 90 days).

Please also bear in mind, the fees went up in Nov 2010 http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD%C2'>

- AOS $930 + $80 = $1010

- ROC $465 + $80 = $545

- N-400 $595 + $80 = $675

TOTAL = $2230 (a saving of $110 compared to now)

This also doesn't include, as others stated, photocopying, mailing and any other random costs. Prior to that of course the fees were even MUCH lower (its a little distressing to read how much cheaper :S) so it's likely the $2340 that we're quoting you now will be a few hundred dollars more down the line.

The AOS is the one that hurts the most, you have 2 years to save for the ROC (and it MUST be filed before the GC expires otherwise her LPR status will be revoked and she's deportable). N-400 you don't have to file as soon as the window opens so you have time there too.