Have a question
K Visa
The K-Visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows the foreign fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen, along with their eligible children, to enter the United States. These visas facilitate the process of family reunification and provide a pathway to obtaining a Green Card (permanent residency) after their arrival.
The K visa category includes four classifications: K-1, K-2, K-3, and K-4.
K-1 Visa: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen
The K-1 visa is for a foreign national who is engaged to a U.S. citizen. It allows the fiancé(e) to travel to the U.S. for the express purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen partner.
Requirement: The U.S. citizen must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The couple must have a genuine intent to marry, both must be legally free to marry, and they must have met each other in person at least once within the two years prior to filing (exceptions exist).
Duration: Upon entering the U.S., the K-1 visa holder must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days.
Next Step: After the marriage, the foreign spouse must file to Adjust Status to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
Work Authorization: K-1 holders are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the U.S.
K-2 Visa: Dependent Child of a K-1 Visa Holder
The K-2 visa is for the eligible dependent children of the K-1 visa applicant.
Requirement: The child must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
Admission: K-2 children are generally admitted alongside their K-1 parent and can also file to Adjust Status after the parent’s marriage and subsequent application for permanent residency.
K-3 Visa: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
The K-3 visa is for a foreign national who is already married to a U.S. citizen. It allows the spouse to enter the U.S. to await the approval of their permanent resident petition.
Purpose: This visa was designed to reduce the separation time for legally married couples by allowing the foreign spouse to live in the U.S. while the initial immigrant petition (Form I-130) is pending.
Requirement: The U.S. citizen must have already filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for the foreign spouse, and then filed a subsequent Form I-129F for the K-3 visa.
Work & Travel: K-3 visa holders are eligible to apply for Employment Authorization and can travel in and out of the U.S.
K-4 Visa: Dependent Child of a K-3 Visa Holder
The K-4 visa is for the eligible dependent children of the K-3 visa applicant.
Requirement: The child must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
Admission: K-4 children enter and reside in the U.S. with their K-3 parent while the immigrant petitions are being processed.
Expiry: The K-4 status automatically expires when the child turns 21 or gets married.