K3 Spouse Visa for USA

By: Reva Cruz

K3 Visa (K3 Spouse Visa)

Under US immigration law, a foreign citizen who marries a US citizen outside the United States, must apply for the K3 visa in the country where the marriage took place. 

1) Spouse Visa USA

If you are a foreign citizen married outside of United States to a United States citizen, you can apply for a K3 Visa. A spouse is defined as legally wedded husband or wife. 

This k3 visa is issued to shorten the physical separation between the foreign-citizen and US citizen spouses. A K3 Visa can be obtained overseas and the foreign-citizen can then enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition.

  • K3 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.
  • The spouse of a US citizen applying for a K3 visa must have a immigrant visa petition filed on their behalf by their US citizen spouse. This type of visa issues a temporary license of two years validity to enter the United States until the immigration procedure is completed.

2) To Apply for Spouse Visa USA, The applicant must be

  • The legal spouse (husband/wife) of the US citizen (legally married)
  • Eighteen years of old & above to sign an affidavit

3) Essential documents required while applying for K3 Visa 

  • Documentary evidence to prove the sponsor’s citizenship
  • Marriage certificate
  • Proof of the termination of previous marriage (death/divorce certificate), if previously married
  • No objection certificate from local police
  • A valid passport
  • Medical examination certificate
  • Birth certificate

4) Before applying for the K3 spouse visa,

The American citizen spouse must have filed Form 1-130 to establish the relationship with the applicant, and Form 1-129F with the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

From the USCIS, the American citizen spouse will receive Notice of Receipt. With the copy of this Notice of Receipt, he/she can forward the application to the country where the marriage had taken place. On approval of the petition, the USCIS will forward the petition to the United States consulate where the applicant has applied for the K3 spouse visa for USA. The processing time for K3 spouse visa for USA varies.

Benefits of K3 spouse visa

  • Can reduce long delays in joining one’s spouse
  • Can change to permanent immigrant visa status (Green card)
  • Can avail EAD (work permit)
  • Can take one’s unmarried child(ren) who are below 21 years of age to the US, using K-4 visa

How Much to Pay for Spouse Visa USA
Expect to pay around $3,500. 

1) Filing Fees & Medical Fees US$1,195

  • US$535 - Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
  • US$460 - Petition for Alien Fiance (Form I-129F)
  • Medical examination - US$200 (estimate)

2) Filing the Application

  • S$1225 - Register for Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status (Form I-485), above 14 years of age or older.

4) Other costs

  • May include translation and photocopying charges, and fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.).

Best Way to Get Spouse Visa USA
To fulfill your K3 spouse visa needsArticle Search, it is recommended to get a K3 visa attorneys or agents. Its more efficient and less frustrating. 

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