Do foreign cast members on TLC's '90 Day Fiance' get paid? Here's the truth

While payments to foreign cast members of TLC's '90 Day Fiance' remain uncertain, their American counterparts get only $1000 per episode
The payment status of the foreign lovers who appear on TLC's '90 Day Fiance' is often uncertain (@90dayfiance/Instagram)
The payment status of the foreign lovers who appear on TLC's '90 Day Fiance' is often uncertain (@90dayfiance/Instagram)

Contrary to popular belief, the financial situation of '90 Day Fiance' stars does not undergo a significant positive transformation despite their newfound fame on television. While the contestants may become well-known, particularly the foreign cast members, their financial conditions often remain unchanged. In fact, foreign participants do not receive any payment unless specific criteria are met.

American cast members are compensated with a meager $1000 per episode, and an additional $2,500 for special episodes like 'Tell All'. Let us understand the criteria and requirements to get paid on the show. 



 

How do foreigners get paid on TLC's '90 Day Fiance'?

In a recent interview with Domenick Nati, a former '90 Day Fiance' cast member, Danielle Mullins spilled the beans on her fellow contestants' paychecks, giving us a glimpse into the reality behind the show. According to her, if you manage to make it through all the episodes in a season, you could be looking at a sum of around $10,000. She said, "I understand that if they film in another country, the foreigner can get paid. But when they're filming in the US, only the US citizen gets paid unless they have the work permit." She claimed that foreign participants have to wait until they adjust their status and get that coveted work permit.

Do foreigners get paid while shooting in their home country?

The reality is that foreign cast members on '90 Day Fiance' don't see a paycheck until they navigate the complex process of adjusting their immigration status and obtaining a work permit. However, there's a silver lining. When the cameras roll in their native countries for spin-offs like 'Before the 90 Days' and 'The Other Way', these international lovebirds finally start reaping the financial benefits. So, while their journey to love may be fraught with uncertainty, at least they can look forward to a potential payday in their homeland.

TLC announced a new 90-day saga, '90 Days Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Season 6 that is all set to premiere on Sunday, June 4, at 8 pm ET.

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