A K3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the foreign-born spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter into the United States under temporary legal status while waiting for approval of permanent residency. Read on to learn more about how much a K3 visa costs, how long it takes, and more.
Fees – How Much a K3 Visa Cost?
The total cost of filing for a K3 visa is around $1000. Here are the fees associated with filing for a K3 spouse visa:
- Filing a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 – $535
- Filing an Alien Fiancé Petition, Form I-129F – No fee
- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 – $265
- Medical examination – cost varies
- Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status – $1,140 + $85 Biometrics fee = $1,225
- Misc. costs for travel expenses to U.S. Embassy or Consulate, getting required documents, translation and photocopying expenses, and more.
Extending the Petition
The Form I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval. A consular officer can extend the validity of the petition (revalidate the petition) if it expires before you finish processing the visa.
Children Have Derivative Status
Children do not need a separate Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) to be filed. Although, you should name all of your spouse’s (one applying for K-3 status) children on the Petition for Alien Fiancé, I-129F petition. If you do not name the children on the I-129F petition, they may find it difficult to prove their identity as children of a K-3 applicant or person in K-3 status.
You must file separate I-130 immigrant visa petitions for your children before they qualify for permanent residence. When they adjust status in the United States, they must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status with the USCIS. Remember that in immigration law, children must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
If the Child is Not Named on the I-129F Petition, Will That Be a Problem?
The K-4 visa will not be denied because the child’s name is not listed on the I-129F petition. As long as it can be established that he/she is the minor, unmarried child of the applicant issued a K-3 visa.
How Long Does It Take for K3 Visa Approval?
The length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. Currently, the average wait time for a K3 visa is around 19 months. This is typically longer than other options available for spouses of U.S. citizens, so it is recommended to do you research before moving forward with the K3 visa route.
