Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about a K-3 Spouse Visa

AMERILAWGROUP

Frequently Asked Questions About K-3 Visas


  • What is K-3 spouse visa (also called a K-3 marriage visa)?

    It is a document issued by the US government which allows the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident of the US to enter the US for the purpose of immigration and permanent residency.

  • Does it matter if I do not live near where my lawyer is located?  
           
            No, visas are issued by the US government.  AmeriLawGroup has filed for                 visas for people located throughout the US and in foreign countries.
  • Who is eligible for a spouse visa?

    A foreign national spouse who has legally married a US citizen or permanent resident while outside of the US.

  • What are the steps for obtaining a spousal (K-3) visa?

    There are two phases in the K-3 visa process (phase I and Phase II)

    • Phase I: We file Petitions with the USCIS for your spouse to come to the US for the purpose of becoming a permanent resident. 
    • We file supporting documentation with  the Petitions.
    • The Petitions are approved and the USCIS sends the forms and documentation to your spouse's consulate in his/her home country.
    • Phase II:  We file additional forms and documents as requested by the consulate in your spouse's home country.
    • Your spouse is requested to attend an interview at the consulate after which the K-3 spouse visa is issued.
    • Your spouse comes to the US, applies for permanent residency, work and travel permits.  Upon issuance your spouse may work and travel while the Petition for permanent residency is pending. 
  • Is the spouse visa issued at the time of the interview?

    Yes, or within a short time thereafter. 

  • Are there differences in the time it takes the spouse of a US citizen or the spouse of a permanent resident to get a spousal visa?

    Yes, obtaining the K-3 visa for the spouse of a permanent resident takes much longer than for the spouse of a US citizen

  • Can the foreign spouse work in the US after entering the US on a K-3  visa?

    Yes, However, he/she must apply for and receive a work permit which allows her to work while her application for Adjustment of Status (Green Card) is pending. It normally takes about 60-90 days to obtain the work permit.

  • Once the K-3 spouse visa is issued how long does the foreign spouse have to come to the US?

    She has six months to enter the US after issuance of the K-3 visa

  • Can a US citizen file for a visa while living outside the US?
            Yes, AmeriLawGroup has filed for visas for many US citizens while they are                     living outside the US

  • How long does it take to obtain a K-3 spouse visa?

    This varies depending on which USCIS Service Center and consulate is involved in the process. A good rule would be7- 8 months although we are seeing shorter times in some cases.  The times required are generally less than shown on the USCIS websites. 

  • OK, I would like to apply for a K-3 spouse visa with the assistance of AmeriLawGroup, what do I do now?

    Please click here for our Services and Fees and we will get the process started within 24 hours of hearing from you.