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K-3 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Pending I-130)
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

K-3 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Pending I-130)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months – 1.5 years

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $2,380–$2,640

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

For spouses of U.S. citizens to enter while an I-130 immigrant visa petition is pending. Rarely used now.

The K-3 is a US nonimmigrant visa for the foreign spouse of a US citizen, issued while a Form I-130 immigrant petition is pending. The US citizen files Form I-129F (no filing fee) in the country of marriage; LPR spouses are non-qualifying to petition.

K-3 status lasts 2 years, renewable in 2-year increments, but holders must adjust to permanent residence via Form I-485. Entry grants automatic work authorization; Form I-765 provides documentary evidence. Children under 21 join on K-4. USCIS rarely issues K-3s today as I-130 processing often completes first.

This visa is ideal for spouses of US citizens abroad who want to enter the US without waiting for the full immigrant visa process to complete.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-130 petition fee (USCIS — required first step)USD $675
Form I-129F petition fee (USCIS — for K-3)USD $0
K-visa MRV application fee (State Dept)USD $265
Medical examination and vaccinations (varies by country)—
Form I-485 adjustment of status fee (after entry)USD $1,440
Form I-765 EAD (when filed concurrently with Form I-485)USD $260
optional
TotalUSD $2,380–$2,640

Processing Time

I-129F petition at USCIS6 months – 1.5 years
Consular processing after NVC transfer2–6 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen
United States flagUnited States

IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
CR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen
United States flagUnited States

CR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen

ValidityIndefinite
Processing9 months – 3.0 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (LPR spouses are not qualifying for K-3)

Valid, legally recognized marriage to the petitioning U.S. citizen

Form I-130 must already be filed and pending with USCIS

Form I-129F filed by U.S. citizen spouse with USCIS in the United States

Mandatory medical examination by authorized panel physician

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended entry

No disqualifying criminal history

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended entry date)

Form DS-160 confirmation page

I-129F approval notice

Two 2×2 photographs meeting U.S. visa photo standards

Marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English)

Birth certificate

Completed medical examination and vaccination records

Police certificates from each country of residence (past 5+ years)

Evidence of U.S. citizen spouse's citizenship

Financial evidence of support (sponsor's tax returns, employment letter)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while the I-130 immigrant petition is still pending
  • Qualifying to apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after entry
  • Children of K-3 holder may accompany or follow as K-4 visa holders
  • Dual intent explicitly permitted — applicant may openly intend to immigrate
  • Leads directly to adjustment of status and permanent residence in the U.S.
  • Same-sex spouses qualifying on equal terms

Worth Knowing

  • Rarely advantageous in practice — CR1/IR1 immigrant visa is now processed at comparable speed
  • USCIS will administratively close the K-3 petition once the underlying I-130 is approved
  • Can only interview at the consulate in the country where the marriage took place
  • K-3 status terminates if the I-130 petition is approved before or during K-3 processing
  • Must adjust status (I-485) inside the U.S. — cannot use K-3 to obtain an immigrant visa abroad
  • K-3 is only available to spouses of U.S. citizens, not Lawful Permanent Residents
  • Work authorization is not automatic on entry — requires separate EAD application

Application Process

1

U.S. citizen files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS

2

U.S. citizen separately files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) for K-3 with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox

3

USCIS approves I-129F and forwards to National Visa Center

4

NVC transfers case to U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the marriage took place

5

Applicant completes Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) online

6

Schedule and complete medical examination with an authorized panel physician

7

Attend visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

8

Travel to the U.S.

9

File Form I-485 to adjust status to Lawful Permanent Resident after entry

10

File Form I-765 for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after entry

Application Forms

I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
Fill online
I-129F
Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online
I-864
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Fill online

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