K3 Visa: Spouse of U.S. Citizen

The K-3 Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting for their spousal Green Card (CR-1/IR-1) application to be processed. It allows the spouse to enter and live in the U.S. while their immigrant visa petition is pending.

What is the K-3 Visa?

The K-3 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while waiting for the approval of their immigrant visa petition (Form I-130). Once in the U.S., the K-3 visa holder can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident (Green Card holder).

The K-3 visa was originally introduced to reduce long wait times for spousal visas, but due to modern CR-1/IR-1 visa processing speeds, it is now rarely used.

K-3 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the K-3 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legally Married: The couple must be legally married before applying.
U.S. Citizen Sponsor: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a Green Card holder).
Pending I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen must have filed Form I-130, which is still pending.
Proof of a Genuine Marriage: The couple must prove their relationship is real, including photos, joint financial documents, travel records, etc.

Required Documents for the K-3 Visa

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)).
Valid passports for both spouses.
Marriage certificate and evidence of a bona fide marriage.
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to prove financial capability.
Police clearance certificates from all countries where the foreign spouse has lived.
Medical examination results from the U.S.-approved doctor.
Form DS-160 (Online Non-immigrant Visa Application).

Processing Time for the K-3 Visa

USCIS Processing (Form I-130 & I-129F): 6 to 12 months.
NVC Processing & Interview Scheduling: 2 to 4 months.
Total Time to K-3 Visa Approval: 8 to 16 months.

File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

The U.S. citizen files Form I-130 with USCIS for their foreign spouse.
Must provide marriage proof (marriage certificate, joint assets, photos, etc.).

File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))

While the I-130 is pending, the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F to apply for the K-3 visa.
If Form I-130 is approved before I-129F, the K-3 visa application is automatically converted into a CR-1/IR-1 visa.

USCIS Approval & NVC Processing

If Form I-129F is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The foreign spouse completes Form DS-160 (Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application).

Attend Visa Interview at a U.S. Embassy

The foreign spouse attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
If approved, they receive a K-3 visa stamped in their passport.

Enter the U.S. & Apply for a Green Card

The spouse enters the U.S. on a K-3 visa and can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
Once approved, they receive a permanent Green Card.

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K3 Visa