Hi there. I just wanted to know how much it would cost me (in dollars) to complete the whole K1 Visa process (excluding the medical but including filing fees), to obtain an AOS and a green card. I seen to be get varying figures but if someone could break down the amount for me, it will be very helpful. Please bear in mind that we will NOT be using an attorney mainly because we want to save as much money as we can for the wedding and to set ourselves up in the States.
I know that most of the people who post questions here are trying to avoid paying a professional, experienced, attorney to help them do things properly.
Sometimes it could be because they're Pennywise and Pound Foolish: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/don't_be_penny_wise_and_pound_foolish
Other times it may be because they think that it is a 'simple' process that is nothing more than filling in forms .... Oh, how wrong they are.
You'll be dealing with:
- CIS fees/forms ( I-129F -- http://www.uscis.gov/forms )
- NVC/DOS fees ( I-134, DS-160; DS-156 -- http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html )
... after arrival in the US you're looking at I-765, I-485, I-864 CIS forms/fees -- http://www.uscis.gov/forms )
So, are you really ready to get your Doctorate in Jurisprudence?
Most attorneys take payments and, in addition to taking the pain, suffering and delay (oh yes, people who don't use lawyers tend to experience delays) ... it allows you time to work on your wedding plans instead of government red-tape.
By the way, don't have any dreams of having the fiancee come into the US while things are pending.
Good luck.
PS Many attorneys here use Skype to help guide people through the process ... you might want to consider getting a preliminary consultation, if nothing else.
What is necessary in a particular case will determine what it costs, both in legal fees and out of pocket expenses. If you don't want to retain an experienced attorney to handle the case for you then you have to do the legwork. I suggest you start with the government agencies you think you need to deal with to make it happen. Hopefully you and your fiance are not being penny wise and pound foolish. Good luck.
