K-3 Visa
A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while waiting for their immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) to be approved.This visa is designed to shorten the physical separation between the U.S. citizen and their foreign-citizen spouse.
Key points about K-3 visas
Eligibility
- You must be the legal spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- Your U.S. citizen spouse must have already filed a Form I-130 petition for you, which is currently pending.
Purpose
- To allow the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while waiting for the immigrant visa process to be completed.
Process
- The U.S. citizen spouse files a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), for the K-3 visa.
- The foreign spouse then applies for the K-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Upon approval, the foreign spouse can enter the U.S. and wait for their immigrant visa to be processed.
Important to note
- K-3 visa holders can work in the U.S.
- Once the immigrant visa is approved, the K-3 visa holder can adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Why choose a K-3 visa?
While the K-3 visa can be a useful tool for some couples, it’s important to note that the process can be complex and time-consuming. Many couples find that the traditional immigrant visa process is often faster and more straightforward.
For more information, please consult with an immigration attorney or visit the USCIS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while they wait for their immigrant visa to be processed.
To be eligible for a K-3 visa, you must be the legal spouse of a U.S. citizen, and your spouse must have already filed a Form I-130 petition for you.
The purpose of a K-3 visa is to allow foreign spouses to enter the U.S. while waiting for the immigrant visa process to be completed. This can help reduce the time of separation between spouses.
The U.S. citizen spouse files a Form I-129F for the K-3 visa. The foreign spouse then applies for the K-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Upon approval, the foreign spouse can enter the U.S.
Once the immigrant visa is approved, the K-3 visa holder can adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).