Are the CR-1 fees paid by the sponsor or the beneficiary?

When starting the CR1 visa application process, it is important to fully understand each step and the financial obligations involved. Knowing who is responsible for paying the fees can prevent doubts and help in planning this process.

Usually, the CR1 visa process is divided into two main phases. In the first phase, the sponsor (or petitioner) submits the petition (Form I-130) to demonstrate the existence of a qualified relationship with the beneficiary. The fee associated with the I-130 petition, paid at the time of submission to the United States immigration agency, is borne by the sponsor. Thus, at this stage, the sponsor covers the costs related to opening the case.

In the second phase, after the petition approval and during consular processing, there are several fees to be paid related to the visa application, such as the Form DS-260 fee, the medical examination fee, visa issuance, and other administrative charges. These expenses are generally the responsibility of the beneficiary, i.e., the person applying for the CR1 visa.

It is important to emphasize that although the sponsor has the financial obligation to demonstrate economic capacity (through Form I-864, the affidavit of support), they are not directly responsible for paying the consular and medical fees that arise in the final stage of the process.

Finally, it is crucial to stress the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and seeking updated information from official sources or qualified specialists, thus avoiding the risk of scams or believing in marketing campaigns that guarantee quick and risk-free results. Staying well informed and cautious throughout all stages of the process can make a difference in the success of your application.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.