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K-3 Visa (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen)
The K-3 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while awaiting approval of their immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1). This visa helps couples unite in the U.S. sooner instead of waiting abroad for the immigrant visa processing.
What is a K-3 Visa?
The K-3 Visa allows a foreign spouse to:
Enter the United States before the immigrant visa is issued.
Live in the U.S. with their U.S. citizen spouse while the green card application is pending.
Apply for work authorization after arrival in the U.S.
Eventually adjust status to lawful permanent residency (Green Card).
Key features of the K-3 Visa include:
Validity: Single or multiple-entry visa valid typically for 2 years, with the ability to extend.
Spouse must be legally married to a U.S. citizen.
Leads to permanent residency (Green Card) after adjustment of status.
Dependent children may accompany on K-4 dependent visas.
Why Choose a K-3 Visa?
Reunite with your U.S. citizen spouse quickly while waiting for immigrant visa processing.
Obtain legal status and work authorization in the U.S.
Allows dependent children to accompany on K-4 visas.
Ideal for couples who want to live together in the U.S. sooner.
Facilitates a smoother transition to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a K-3 Visa:
Must be legally married to a U.S. citizen.
Must have a pending Form I-130 petition for an immigrant visa.
Must intend to enter the U.S. to live with the U.S. citizen spouse.
Must meet health, security, and admissibility standards.
Examples of evidence for eligibility:
Marriage certificate proving legal marriage to U.S. citizen.
Proof of pending Form I-130 petition.
Passport and identification documents.
Evidence of bona fide marital relationship (photos, correspondence, joint accounts).
Birth certificates for dependent children applying for K-4 visas.
K-3 Visa Process
File Form I-130: U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 immigrant petition for the foreign spouse.
File Form I-129F: Foreign spouse files Form I-129F petition for K-3 visa.
USCIS Approval: Petition is reviewed and approved.
Consular Processing: Apply for K-3 visa at the U.S. consulate in the foreign spouse’s country.
Visa Interview: Attend consular interview with supporting documents.
Entry to the U.S.: Enter the U.S. and live with the U.S. citizen spouse.
Adjustment of Status: Apply for green card (permanent residency) after entry.
Documents Required
Valid passport.
Marriage certificate.
Form I-130 and I-129F petition approval notices.
Proof of bona fide marital relationship (photos, correspondence, joint bank accounts).
Medical examination report.
Birth certificates for K-4 dependent children (if applicable).
Additional supporting documents as requested by the consulate.
Timeline & Processing Time
USCIS Form I-130 Processing: 6–12 months.
K-3 Petition (Form I-129F) Processing: 2–4 months.
Consular Processing & Interview: 1–3 months.
Overall Timeline: Typically 8–15 months, depending on processing times and documentation.
K-3 vs. CR-1 Visa
K-3 Visa: For foreign spouses to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visa approval; requires adjustment of status after entry.
CR-1/IR-1 Visa: For foreign spouses already married; leads directly to permanent residency without needing adjustment.
How We Help
We provide full support for K-3 Visa applicants:
Guidance on eligibility and required documentation.
Assistance with Form I-130 and Form I-129F petition filing.
Support in preparing marital evidence and consular interview documents.
Guidance for dependent K-4 visas.
Step-by-step support through entry, work authorization, and adjustment of status.
Why Choose Us for K-3 Visa Assistance?
Expertise in K-3 visa and family-based immigration.
Proven success in K-3 and dependent K-4 visa approvals.
Assistance with petition filing, documentation, and consular procedures.
Personalized guidance for couples navigating the immigration process.
Trusted partner for couples seeking to live together in the U.S. sooner.