The R-1 visa allows foreign nationals to work in the United States temporarily in a religious capacity. For applicants from India seeking an R-1 visa, there are various fees involved in the application process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with obtaining an R-1 visa in India.
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1. Form I-129 Filing Fee
- Amount: $460
- Description:
The first step in the R-1 visa process is for the U.S. religious organization (the employer) to file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the foreign national. The filing fee for this form is $460. This fee is required for USCIS to process the petition. It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the petition.
2. Visa Application Fee
- Amount: $160
- Description:
Once the Form I-129 is approved, the applicant must pay a visa application fee when applying for the R-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in India. This fee is typically $160, and it is also non-refundable. The visa application fee is necessary to schedule the visa interview.
3. Premium Processing Fee (Optional)
- Amount: $2,500
- Description:
If the employer wishes to expedite the processing of the Form I-129 petition, they can opt for premium processing by paying an additional fee of $2,500. This option guarantees that the petition will be processed within 15 calendar days. If USCIS fails to process the petition within this timeframe, the premium processing fee will be refunded.
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4. Other Potential Fees
In addition to the primary fees mentioned above, applicants and employers may encounter other potential costs:
- Medical Examination Fees:
Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination as part of the visa application process. The cost for this can vary significantly, typically ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 or more, depending on the clinic and the specific tests required. - Document Preparation Fees:
There may be costs associated with preparing and translating documents needed for the visa application. These fees vary based on the services used. - Legal Fees:
If the employer chooses to hire an immigration attorney to assist with the petition process, legal fees can add to the overall cost. These fees vary widely depending on the attorney’s rates and the complexity of the case.
5. Payment Methods
- For Form I-129:
Payment for the filing fee can be made through check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” When paying by check, the employer should write the applicant’s name and receipt number on it to ensure proper processing. - For Visa Application Fee:
The visa application fee can be paid online when scheduling the visa interview through the U.S. visa information and appointment services website for India.
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Summary
Obtaining an R-1 visa from India involves several fees, including the Form I-129 filing fee ($460), the visa application fee ($160), and optional premium processing ($2,500). Additional costs for medical examinations, document preparation, and legal assistance may also apply. Understanding these fees is crucial for applicants and employers to plan effectively for the visa application process.
