The R1 visa filing fee consists of several different charges that must be paid during the application process. These fees are associated with both the petition filing and the visa application itself. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved:
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1. Form I-129 Filing Fee (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Cost: $460 (USD)
- This fee is required when the sponsoring religious organization files Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to petition for the foreign religious worker. The petition must be approved before the worker can apply for the R1 visa at a U.S. consulate.
2. Premium Processing Fee (Optional)
- Cost: $2,500 (USD)
- If the religious organization or applicant wishes to expedite the processing of the Form I-129, they can pay an additional premium processing fee. This ensures that the petition will be processed within 15 calendar days. Premium processing is optional and is not required to get the visa.
3. DS-160 Visa Application Fee
- Cost: $185 (USD)
- After the I-129 petition is approved, the applicant must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and pay a visa application fee of $185. This fee is paid directly to the U.S. consulate or embassy where the visa interview will take place.
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4. Biometrics Fee (If applicable)
- Cost: $85 (USD)
- In some cases, applicants may be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process. If biometrics are necessary, there is an additional fee for this service.
5. SEVIS Fee (For Religious Workers in Certain Programs)
- Cost: $205 (USD)
- If the religious worker is coming to the U.S. as part of a program that requires SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) registration, such as for certain missionary programs, they may need to pay this fee. However, this is not typical for all R1 visa applicants.
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6. Additional Costs
- Visa Issuance Fee: Depending on the applicant’s nationality, some consulates may charge an additional visa issuance fee. This fee varies by country and is based on reciprocal visa arrangements between the U.S. and the applicant’s country of citizenship.
- Medical Examination Fees: In some cases, applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, the cost of which will vary depending on the medical provider and the country where the examination takes place.
Summary of Basic Fees
- Form I-129 Filing Fee
: $460
- DS-160 Visa Application Fee: $185
- Optional Premium Processing Fee: $2,500 (if expediting the petition)
- Biometrics Fee: $85 (if required)
These fees are subject to change, and it’s important to verify the latest costs with USCIS and the U.S. embassy or consulate processing the visa application.
