USA Marriage Visa Requirements and Fees 2026

Are you planning to bring your spouse or fiancé to the United States in 2026? While the dream of building a life together in the U.S. is exciting, the administrative hurdles and costs have reached a historic peak. Effective January 1, 2026, new USCIS Fee Rules and updated HHS Poverty Guidelines have fundamentally changed the “price tag” of love across borders. This comprehensive guide breaks down the 2026 requirements, timelines, and fees to ensure your application isn’t just filed, but approved.

The 2026 Marriage Visa Landscape: Why Costs Are Rising

In 2026, the rules for marriage visas are different. The government now says: “If you want to use our services, you must pay more.” This is called the “User-Pays” model.

Why are fees higher?

• Prices go up every two years because of inflation (things cost more).
• Fees increase 5% to 10% or sometimes more.
• USCIS checks social media and online life to see if the marriage is real.
• The U.S. wants fees to be like other big countries. This helps them clear old cases faster.

Because of these changes, bringing your loved one to the U.S. costs more money now.

USA Marriage Visa Fees 2026: K-1 vs. CR-1 Breakdown

You can choose two main ways to bring your loved one.

• K-1 visa: For fiancé or fiancée (not married yet).
• CR-1 visa: For husband or wife (already married).

In 2026, CR-1 is cheaper in total. But K-1 can bring your fiancé to the U.S. a little faster at first.

K-1 Fiancé Visa Cost 2026 (The “Two-Phase” Path)

With K-1, your fiancé comes to the U.S. and you must get married in 90 days. After marriage, he or she applies to stay and get a Green Card. This has two big parts, so it costs more.

Government fees:

• Form I-129F (first petition): $675
• DS-160 (visa application at embassy): $265
• I-485 (to get Green Card after marriage): $1,440 (this includes fingerprint fee)

Total government fees: $2,380 You pay these at different times.

CR-1 Spousal Visa Fees 2026 (The “Direct to Green Card” Path)

If you are already married, use CR-1. Your spouse gets the visa and Green Card when he or she enters the U.S. No extra big form later.

Government fees:

• Form I-130 (petition): $625 if you file online, $675 if you send paper
• DS-260 (visa processing): $325
• I-864 (support form fee): $120
• USCIS Immigrant Fee (for Green Card card): $235 (pay after visa is approved)

Total government fees: $1,305 to $1,355 CR-1 costs less money in the end.

Helpful Tip: File Form I-130 online. It saves $50 and you get notices very fast.

Financial Requirements: The 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines

You must prove you can take care of your spouse. You must show you have enough money so they do not need government help. This is done with Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). In 2026, the money you need is higher because of new guidelines from January 13, 2026. Most people need income at 125% of the poverty level.

Here are the minimum income amounts (for most states, not Alaska or Hawaii):

• 2 people (you + spouse): $27,050 per year
• 3 people (you + spouse + 1 child): $34,150 per year
• 4 people (you + spouse + 2 children): $41,250 per year

If you are in the U.S. military and active duty, the number is lower (100% level). Example: For 2 people it is $21,640.

If your income is too low:

• You can add a joint sponsor (another person with enough money).
• Or show savings, stocks, or house value (usually 3 to 5 times the missing amount).

Mandatory Additional Costs to Budget For

You will pay more than just government fees. Here are other costs you cannot avoid:

• Medical exam (Form I-693): $200 to $650. Price changes by country and if shots are needed.
• Translation of papers: If documents are not in English, pay $20 to $50 for each page.
• Travel costs: Go to the U.S. Embassy for interview. Also pay for your spouse’s flight to America.
• Other small things: Passport photos, police papers, birth certificates, etc.

These extra costs can add $500, $1,000, or even more. Plan your money carefully.

Timeline and “Public Charge” Scrutiny

In 2026, officers check very carefully if your spouse might need public help later. They look at income, but also age, health, education, and job skills.

How long does it take?

• CR-1 visa: About 12 to 18 months from start to arrival.
• K-1 visa to Green Card: Up to 24 months because of the extra step after marriage.

Waiting times can change. Check the official websites often.

How to Avoid a 2026 Denial

Follow these simple steps to make your case strong:

1. Do the medical exam early and send it with your forms. This stops extra requests.
2. Use the newest forms. Old forms get rejected fast.
3. Show proof your relationship is real: photos, messages, bank accounts together, rent papers, trips, social media.
4. File online when you can. It is cheaper and quicker.
5. If your case is hard, talk to a good immigration lawyer.

FAQ: Marriage Visa 2026

In 2026, the fees are the highest they have ever been. But if you prepare well, read the rules, and send strong proof, many couples get approved every year. Do not give up. Plan step by step and you can succeed.

Would you like me to help you figure out your exact money requirement or make a simple list of papers you need?

Disclaimer: This is only information to help you understand. Rules can change. Always check the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) or ask a real immigration lawyer before you start anything. This guide has more than 800 words and uses very basic English. Best wishes for your family!