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Contact us to evaluate whether K-3 versus standard immigrant visa processing is best for your situation.
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Overview
K-3 visas were designed to allow spouses of U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. while waiting for I- 130 approval, with K-4 covering their minor children. In practice, K-3 has fallen into disuse because I-130 processing has accelerated to where K-3 offers no time advantage. Most cases proceed directly to consular processing of the I-130-approved immigrant visa.
Eligibility Requirements
Married to U.S. citizen; pending I-130 petition; beneficiary abroad; otherwise admissible.
Application Process
Step 1: U.S. citizen files I-130. Step 2: Concurrently file I-129F. Step 3: K-3 visa processed if I- 130 not yet approved; in practice, I-130 is often approved first making K-3 moot.
Required Documentation
Same as IR-1/CR-1 (marriage certificate, bona fide marriage evidence, etc.).
Government Filing Fees
I-130 fee; I-129F fee; visa application fees.
Processing Timeline
Generally K-3 not advantageous in current processing climate.
Why Choose Our Firm
We counsel clients on whether K-3 offers advantages over standard immigrant visa processing — typically not, but specific facts matter.
