The famous reality show 90 Day Fiancé, which follows engaged couples waiting for a K-1 visa, has impacted the public since 2014. This generates some uncertainty among its fans about these people’s economics and how they are affected when participating in the program.
If you’re here, it’s because, at some point, you’ve asked yourself these questions: does the program pay for travel? How much of the couple’s expenses are covered by them? Don’t worry. We’ll answer your questions below.
Does the 90-Day Fiancé production pay for the trips?
The answer to this question is no. To keep the show realistic, the production team does not pay for any of the couples’ trips. This was confirmed in 2019 by one of the participants of the Spin-Off, 90-Day Fiancé: The Other Way. A program in which the American couple marries someone from abroad and they live in that country.
In any case, the production team of TLC, the distributor of the reality show, is responsible for the payment of transfers to the final meeting. That takes place in the final episode of each season and summarizes the adventure the couple experienced firsthand.
That is, the travel budget from the country of residence of the international member of the couple to the United States (and vice versa). It will depend directly on the financial budget they have, and they will be responsible for these expenses in their entirety.
How much do the reality contestants earn?
Undoubtedly, the participants of 90 Day Fiancé earn less than a fan of the program would think. The reason is that, except in some instances, people who appear on reality shows do not usually earn an exorbitant financial remuneration.
In the case of 90 Day Fiancé, according to Chris Thieneman and his wife Nikki Cooper, who appeared as extras in one of the seasons. They did not see any payment for their participation in the story of David Toborowsky and Annie Suwan.
Likewise, for the protagonists, there is not much of a difference. During the 3 phases of the program, the salaries vary, but it is not usually more than what an average worker would earn in the U.S.
3 phases of the program, three different salaries
According to reports, Before the 90 Days, participants earn between $500 and $1000 per episode, depending on their contract. Once the couple has passed this stage in 90 Day Fiancé, the salary can increase to between $1,000 and $1,500 per episode.
Likewise, if the couple is chosen to participate in 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? The salary will remain more or less the same depending on the couple’s popularity.
That is, in a season of about 13 episodes, a reality contestant can earn about $13,000. However, this increases with a bonus of around $2,500 in the particular programs. In which, as mentioned above, tickets and lodging are paid for.
The international member of the couple cannot be paid
Another point to consider is that, with the idea of the program, the international half of the couple is in the visa process. So legally, they can not yet work in the U.S., nor do they pay taxes in the U.S. yet.
Which has drawn too much criticism of the show, as people spend most of their day in front of cameras. All in the face of no gain other than opting for an American visa and finding your true love in the American nation.
Likewise, the cast participants of 90 Day Fiancé go through a testing process and are privy to the contractual details of appearing on the show.
Possibility of generating your income thanks to the show.
For many participants, having been part of this reality show has opened doors for them as celebrities. This was due to how they acted on the show or because the public liked them as a couple.
One of the best-known cases is that of Edward Allen Brown, better known on the internet as “Big Ed.” Who went viral on social networks with his participation in the show and has seen a path of relative fame as an internet figure.
Many cast members like Ed decide to become internet personalities. However, there are cases of some who have had to return to their previous jobs after their relationship didn’t work out.