
How long is the processing time for a K3 visa?
How Long is the K3 Visa Processing Time? K3 visa processing time varies from case to case and it takes 5-8 months to process. On average USCIS takes 3-5 months to process and the US Embassy in your home country may take 2-3 months.
What is a K-3 visa and how does it work?
Overview - What Is a K-3 Visa? The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen.
When does the availability of a nonimmigrant K-3 visa end?
When both petitions have been approved by USCIS and sent to the NVC or when USCIS approves the I-130 before the I-129F, the availability of, as well as the need for, a nonimmigrant K-3 visa ends. If the NVC receives both an approved I-130 petition and an approved I-129F petition:
What are the documents required for a K3 visa application?
Complete the file with the documents that the US Embassy/Consulate requires for a K3 visa application. Besides the application form, you must also attach various supporting documents such as: Your valid passport for more than 6 months after your planned entry into the US
How Long is the K3 Visa Processing Time?
How long is a K3 visa valid?
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the K3 Visa?
What are the K3 visa fees?
How to become a Lawful Permanent Resident after getting a K3 visa?
How to get a K3 visa?
What is DS 160?
See 2 more

What happens after K3 visa is approved?
After obtaining the K-3 visa, the foreign spouse may enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) or adjust status. Most K-3 visa recipients choose to adjust status to a permanent resident once inside the U.S. Eligible children of K-3 visa applicants receive K-4 visas.
Is K3 visa hard to get?
The USCIS rarely issues a K-3 visa, so obtaining this immigrant visa category can be hard. In theory, the k3 visa processing time is between three to thirteen months on average. This time frame is the same as if you're applying for a marriage green card, which is why people avoid it.
Is K3 visa faster?
Finally, because K3 Marriage visa applicants are married before they enter the United States and they file their immigration petition prior to or at the same time as the K3 visa petition, they typically obtain permanent residence status (green card status) a few months faster than K-1 fiancé applicants.
Can I visit the US while waiting for K3 visa?
Applying for a K-3 Visa A K-3 visa allows spouses to enter the U.S. while they await approval of their immigrant visas. It is necessary to apply for the K-3 visa in the same country where the marriage took place.
How long does K3 visa take 2022?
Warning! K-3 visa processing, on average, takes about 19 months. This is just about as long as it takes USCIS to approve the marriage green card application.
Can you expedite a K3 visa?
Many people ask us if there is a way to expedite their K1 fiancé visa or K3 spousal visa. Unfortunately, unless the American fiancé is in the U.S. military, it is not possible to expedite the process once the petition is mailed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Spouse Visa USA Processing Times 2022Status of U.S. SpouseCurrently Residing In...Approx. Wait Time as of August 2022U.S. CitizenUnited States11.5–31 monthsAbroad12.5–18 monthsU.S. Green Card HolderUnited States20.5–59 monthsAbroad10.5–30 months
Is it easier to get a K1 or K3 visa?
K1 Fiance Visas are generally preferred (over the Marriage Visa and K3 Marriage Visa) as the visa of choice for engaged international couples as they are considered the easiest, quickest, and least expensive route.
How much does a K3 visa cost?
Currently, the processing fee for the K3 visa is $265. The embassy or consulate where the foreign spouse resides will then schedule an interview with the applicant. It is usually scheduled 4-6 weeks after notification is given to the applicant.
Is the K3 visa worth it?
However, for most applicants, the K-3 visa isn't worth it. In 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued only five K-3 visas. Since the K-3 visa processing time usually takes six to nine months, it will take you just as long to get your K-3 visa as it would to get your marriage green card.
What is the fastest way to bring my spouse to USA?
Historically, family reunification has been the easiest and fastest way of bringing your loved ones to the United States.
Which is better K3 or CR1?
The K3 visa holder can only apply for a work permit after entering the US. On the other hand, a CR1 visa is an immigrant visa. CR1 visa applicants need to wait in their home countries for the application for US legal permanent residence to be processed.
Is it easier to get a K1 or K3 visa?
K1 Fiance Visas are generally preferred (over the Marriage Visa and K3 Marriage Visa) as the visa of choice for engaged international couples as they are considered the easiest, quickest, and least expensive route.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Spouse Visa USA Processing Times 2022Status of U.S. SpouseCurrently Residing In...Approx. Wait Time as of August 2022U.S. CitizenUnited States11.5–31 monthsAbroad12.5–18 monthsU.S. Green Card HolderUnited States20.5–59 monthsAbroad10.5–30 months
How much does a K-3 visa cost?
The USCIS government filing fee is $535 for the immediate relative petition. There is no USCIS filing fee for the K-3 spouse visa petition. After USCIS approval of the immediate relative petition, you will have to pay a $325 application fee and a $120 affidavit of support fee to the National Visa Center.
Who files for the K3 visa?
spouseThe main requirements to be eligible for a K-3 visa are that you be legally married to a citizen, have the I-130 petition filed by your spouse (U.S. citizen) on your behalf, and are seeking to enter the country while waiting for a green card petition to be processed.
1. What is K-3 visa?
The K-3 spouse visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the spouses of U.S. citizens to enter into the U.S. and await the availability of an immigr...
2. How do I qualify for K-3 visa?
To qualify for K-3 visa, you must be: The foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen Residing outside the U.S. Seeking to enter the U.S. to await th...
3. What privileges do I enjoy on K-3 visa?
On K-3 visa, you may: Reside in the U.S. with your family while waiting for the approval of your immigrant visa petition Apply for a work permit Tr...
4. What are the limitations of K-3 visa?
On K-3 visa, you may not: Change to any other nonimmigrant status Enter into the U.S. if you have been temporarily barred for previous violation of...
5. How long can I stay in the U.S. on K-3 visa?
The K-3 visa is valid for two years with multiple entries.
6. Can I extend my stay on K-3 spouse visa?
Yes, you may apply for extension of stay while on K-3 spouse visa using Form I-539 , Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant status, 120 da...
7. Can I work on K-3 visa?
Yes, you may apply for Employment Authorization using the USCIS Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. Note: You cannot begin work...
8. Can I study on K-3 visa?
Yes, you may study in the U.S. on K-3 visa while awaiting the issuance of an immigrant visa.
9. Are there any travel restrictions on K-3 visa?
No, you may travel outside of the U.S. and re-enter on your K-3 visa. If you have filed for Adjustment of Status in the U.S. prior to your depart...
K3 Visa Process, Documents And Applying For K3 Visa
Applying For K3 Visa. Before you apply for K3 visa, your U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130 on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service center that has jurisdiction over his or her place of residence.. Your spouse will then receive Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating that the USCIS has received the Form I-130.
Nonimmigrant Visa for a Spouse (K-3) - United States Department of State
Overview - What Is a K-3 Visa? The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen. This visa category is intended to shorten the physical separation between the foreign-citizen and U.S. citizen spouses by having the option to obtain a nonimmigrant K-3 visa overseas and enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition.
K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Visas | USCIS
If you are admitted to the United States with a K-3 or K-4 visa, you are automatically authorized to work based on your status. To obtain evidence of employment authorization, you may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization at any time after being admitted to the U.S. Alternatively, you may file an application for a Green Card and then apply for employment authorization based ...
What is a K-3 Visa and How Does It Help? - CitizenPath
K-3 Application Process. Before starting the K-3 visa process, the U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Form I-130 establishes a qualified relationship for the purposes of a family-based permanent residence application.
Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents
To complete the process, the petitioner must submit: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (signed with proper fee), with all required documentation, including: . A copy of your civil marriage certificate; A copy of all divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees that demonstrate that all previous marriages entered into by you and/or your spouse were terminated
The K-3 Visa, Explained - Boundless
K3 Visa Processing Time. K-3 visa processing, on average, takes about 19 months.This is just about as long as it takes USCIS to approve the marriage green card application.Because of this lengthy processing time, most people find that it’s not worth it to apply for a K-3 visa.
How long does it take to get a K-3 visa?
The K-3 visa processing time varies with each individual’s circumstances. Under normal circumstances, it takes around 3 to 5 months at the USCIS plus 2 to 3 months at the Consulates to process the K-3 visa.
What is a K-3 visa?
The K-3 spouse visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the spouses of U.S. citizens to enter into the U.S. and await the availability of an immigrant visa.
How long is a 129F valid?
The Form I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of USCIS approval. If the petition has expired, the consular officer may revalidate the petition for an additional four months.
Do I need to file an I-130 with the USCIS?
Yes, the Form I-130, Immigrant Visa Petition must be pending with the USCIS when you apply for K-3 visa.
Can I apply for employment authorization on the I-765?
Yes, you may apply for Employment Authorization using the USCIS Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.
Can a child travel on a K-4 visa?
Yes, your child may accompany you to the U.S. on K-4 visa provided your child is:
Does the USCIS approve alien fiance petitions?
No, the Form I-129F , Petition for Alien Fiance, must be approved by the USCIS in the U.S. Neither consular officers nor USCIS offices overseas are delegated the authority to approve these petitions.
How Long Will It Take to Get My K Visa?
For Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your petition.
What is a K-3 visa?
The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen. This visa category is intended to shorten the physical separation between the foreign-citizen and U.S. citizen spouses by having the option to obtain a nonimmigrant K-3 visa overseas and enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition. K-3 visa recipients subsequently apply to adjust status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon approval of the petition. Because the spouse of a U.S. citizen applying for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa must have a immigrant visa petition filed on his or her behalf by his or her U.S. citizen spouse and pending approval, a K-3 applicant must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. It should be noted that under U.S. immigration law, a foreign citizen who marries a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. must apply for the K-3 visa in the country where the marriage took place. Learn more in the Applying for a Visa section below.
What do you need to present to the consular officer for a visa interview?
During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the Consular Officer that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen spouse is able to provide support.
How to apply for a visa for a foreigner spouse?
Embassy or Consulate where you, the foreign-citizen spouse, will apply will provide you with specific instructions, including, where to go for the required medical examination. During your interview, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a Consular Officer.
Where to send I-129F?
NVC will then send the I-129F petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the marriage took place. If the marriage took place in the United States, the NVC will send the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issues visas in the foreign-citizen spouse’s country of nationality. If the marriage took place in ...
What is an I-134 form?
Evidence of financial support ( Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested)
Can a spouse file for a K-3 visa?
citizen applying for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa must have a immigrant visa petition filed on his or her behalf by his or her U.S. citizen spouse and pending approval , a K-3 applicant must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. It should be noted that under U.S.
What is a K3 Visa Application?
The K nonimmigrant visa classification enables fiancé (e)s or spouses of U.S citizens coming from abroad to enter the United States and marry their sponsor in 90 days after entry so they can adjust status to permanent resident (green card holder).
How to apply for a k3 visa?
The Visa K-Visa application is generally submitted to US Embassy in person on your own by filing I-129F petition package with necessary documentation.
How long does it take to apply for a K Visa (K3-Visa)?
The processing time varies depending on your case, but generally takes around three months from filing until an interview at the U.S Embassy/Consulate is scheduled and approved by both governments involved in this process.
How long does it take to get a K3 visa?
Then there is the submission of Form DS-160 and scheduling the interview, which takes another couple of months. On average, the entire process usually takes around 6-9 months.
How to Apply for a K3 Visa?
Want to file a K3 visa application for your foreign spouse, but not sure what the procedure is? Don’t worry, we have compiled a step-by-step guide on the K3 visa application process. All you need to do is follow the steps outlined below.
How to file an I-130?
Form I-130 refers to the Petition for Alien Relative. It has to be duly filled in and submitted to the USCIS Service Center along with the following set of documentation: 1 Evidence of U.S. citizenship (copy of U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship). 2 Biographic Data Sheet, Form G-325A, one each for the U.S. citizen and the foreign spouse. 3 Passport copy of the foreign spouse. 4 Foreign spouse birth certificate. 5 Marriage certificate and relevant documents confirming the relationship. 6 Colored passport size photograph of both the spouses. 7 Copy of any divorce decree, death certificate, or marriage annulment if either the U.S. citizen or the foreign spouse have been previously married.
How long does it take for a USCIS form to be approved?
It usually takes around 30 days for the USCIS to issue the receipt notice for Form I-129F, indicating that the petition has been received and is being processed. The processing time varies depending on the availability of staff and workload, but on average, it takes around 6-9 months to get approved.
What is a K3 visa?
The K3 visa is intended for the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is legally married in a foreign country. It is available to those individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria. The applicant must be legally married to a U.S. citizen. The applicant must reside in a foreign country and hold a valid foreign passport.
How much does it cost to get a K3 visa?
You can pay the visa processing fee online or decide to pay later during the interview. Currently, the processing fee for the K3 visa is $265. The embassy or consulate where the foreign spouse resides will then schedule an interview with the applicant.
Where is the I-130 pending?
Form I-130 must be currently pending with the USCIS and the applicant must have the receipt notice. Petition for Alien Fiancé, Form I-129F in approved status, has been forwarded to the U.S. consulate abroad where the spouse of the U.S. citizen wishes to apply for the K3 visa.
What is the K-3 visa?
The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens. This visa category helps spouses unite with their partners in the United States sooner because it allows foreign citizens to enter while waiting for their immigrant visa petition's approval. K-3 visa recipients can adjust their status to become permanent residents or green cardholders.
Do children of a K-3 visa holder also get status?
Yes, your unmarried children under 21 can receive K-4 visas based on your Form I-129F. However, you must include your children as dependents on your petition. You will also have to submit separate visa applications and K-4 visa fees for each child.
How Long is the K3 Visa Processing Time?
On average USCIS takes 3-5 months to process and the US Embassy in your home country may take 2-3 months. Additionally, the US Embassies in different countries have different working times, which then might speed up or delay the processing of your K3 visa.
How long is a K3 visa valid?
The K3 visa is valid for only 2 years. It can be renewed in 2 year increments, but will be revoked in case the US Department of State rejects Form I-130, the application for Lawful Permanent Residence, or if the couple gets divorced.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the K3 Visa?
There are a few criteria for the spouse from a foreign country to qualify for the K3 visa. The K3 visa applicant must fulfill them, as follows:
What are the K3 visa fees?
The K3 visa fees that your US citizen spouse and you will incur are as follows:
How to become a Lawful Permanent Resident after getting a K3 visa?
The next step after you have gotten your K3 visa is to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US by getting a Marriage Green Card. To change your status from your immigrant visa to an LPR, you must first have an approved petition from USCIS and the visa, as well as live in the US.
How to get a K3 visa?
To fulfill the requirements for the K3 visa, the US citizen must first have filed the Form I-130 to USCIS for their spouse. If after getting the K3 visa, the spouse from a foreign country wants to change status to a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, they can use the same petition for them and there will be no need for a new one. When the form is filed, the US citizen spouse will get Form I-797, Notice of Action from USCIS, which they can use as proof that the Form I-130 is in processing.
What is DS 160?
Form DS-160, Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application is an online form which you as the applicant must fill out and submit with the relevant information. You can access it by using your NVC case number. The questions will be related to your background and reasons for going to the US. After the form is complete, you must submit and get the confirmation page which you will need later.
