United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen Guide

Find out everything you need to know about United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen application process and requirements.

What Is the United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen?

The K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen visa is designed to reunite families by allowing the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while their immigrant visa petition is pending. This visa is specifically for those who are already married to a U.S. citizen. The main goal of the K-3 visa is to reduce the separation period between spouses by allowing the foreign spouse to stay in the U.S. while awaiting their permanent resident status. One of the key benefits of obtaining this visa is that it expedites the process and helps the spouse avoid prolonged separation from their U.S. citizen partner.

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K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen Requirements for United States of America

Explore the key requirements for obtaining your K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen for United States of America. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship

    The U.S. citizen spouse must provide evidence of their citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.

  • Valid Marriage Certificate

    A legally valid marriage certificate must be submitted to prove the bona fide marriage between the U.S. citizen and the foreign spouse.

  • Completed Forms (I-130 and I-129F)

    Properly completed and signed forms I-130 and I-129F need to be submitted.

  • Medical Examination

    The foreign spouse must undergo a medical examination by a designated physician before the visa interview. This ensures that they meet the health requirements for entering the U.S.

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How to Apply for United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen

Understand the process of applying for an United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.
  • File Form I-130

    First, the U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign spouse.

  • File Form I-129F

    After receiving the receipt notice for Form I-130, the U.S. citizen spouse should file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS. This specific form is what will trigger the K-3 visa process.

  • Wait for Approval

    Once the Form I-129F is approved, it'll be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then send it to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign spouse’s country of residence.

  • Complete Form DS-160 and Schedule Interview

    The foreign spouse will need to complete Form DS-160 online and pay the associated visa fees. Following this, they must schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

  • Attend Visa Interview

    During the visa interview, the foreign spouse will be required to provide various documents, including proof of the relationship, and undergo medical examination if necessary. If approved, the K-3 visa will be issued.

  • Enter the U.S. and Apply for Adjustment of Status

    Once in the United States, the foreign spouse can apply for Adjustment of Status to obtain permanent residency by filing Form I-485 with USCIS.

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United States of America K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen Advice

Applying for the K-3 visa can be a bit complex, so it's super important to stay organized and keep track of all your documents. Double-check all forms for accuracy and make sure to follow the instructions to the letter. If you get stuck, consider consulting with an immigration attorney who can provide expert guidance. Also, it’s really helpful to start the process early to avoid any unexpected delays.

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