CR-1 / IR-1 Spouse Visa Government Fees
What Fees Are Paid in the U.S. and What to Expect During the Process
When filing a U.S. spouse visa (CR-1 or IR-1), many couples are surprised that the government fees are paid in separate stages — some to USCIS, some to the National Visa Center (NVC), and some after arrival in the United States.
This guide breaks down exactly who pays, when to pay, and how much during the entire spouse visa process.
Stage 1: USCIS Filing Fee (I-130 Petition)
Paid by the U.S. citizen petitioner when submitting Form I-130 to USCIS.
| Form | Purpose | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $675 |
This starts the spouse visa process.
Stage 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Fees
After I-130 approval, the case moves to NVC. Two fees must be paid online through the CEAC portal.
| Fee | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of Support Fee | I-864 processing | $120 |
| Immigrant Visa Fee | DS-261 processing | $325 |
Total NVC Fees: $445
These must be paid before submitting documents to NVC.
Stage 3: Medical Exam in the Philippines
Paid directly to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila.
Cost varies depending on required vaccinations.
Adults 15 years and older
Php 28,650.00 = $515. Approximately
Less than 15 years old
Php 13,910.00 = $250. Approximately
Stage 4: CFO Seminar (Philippines Requirement)
Before leaving the Philippines, the spouse must attend the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) seminar and receive a sticker in the passport.
This is a Philippine government requirement, not a U.S. fee. No fee for this.
Stage 5: USCIS Immigrant Fee (After Visa Approval)
After the visa is issued but before traveling to the U.S., pay online:
| Fee | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | Green card production | $235 |
This allows USCIS to mail the green card after arrival.
Total Government Fees Summary
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| I-130 Filing | $675 |
| NVC Fees | $445 |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 |
| Total U.S. Government Fees | $1,355 |
Below are the Philippines Government Fees:
Medical, PSA documents, NBI, and CFO are additional local costs.
What About the K-3 Visa?
The K-3 visa is rarely used today because:
- I-130 processing is often completed before K-3 is considered
- Most cases convert automatically to CR-1/IR-1 processing
Very few applicants pursue K-3 anymore.
When Are These Fees Paid?
| When | What You Pay |
|---|---|
| Filing I-130 | $675 |
| After USCIS approval | $445 to NVC |
| After visa issuance | $235 immigrant fee for a green card |
Important Notes
Only pay through official .gov websites
All payments to NVC are made online through CEAC
Keep receipts for every payment
Fees are non-refundable