K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen Visa

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Publication date: 29.07.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I filed an I-130 for my spouse and I’m considering a K-3 visa — is it still worth applying if USCIS might approve the I-130 soon anyway?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

22.07.2025 14:15:27 The K-3 visa is designed to shorten the physical separation between a U.S. citizen and their foreign national spouse by allowing the spouse to enter the United States while waiting for their immigrant visa (green card) application to be processed. However, over the years, the utility of the K-3 visa has diminished because USCIS often processes I-130 petitions relatively quickly, sometimes faster than it takes to process a K-3 visa. Here are some factors you might consider when deciding whether or not to apply for a K-3 visa: 1. **Processing Time**: Check current processing times for both I-130 petitions and K-3 visas. If your I-130 petition is likely to be approved soon, applying for a K-3 visa may not be necessary. 2. **Costs**: Applying for a K-3 visa involves additional fees and paperwork. Consider whether these costs are justified given your situation. 3. **Current Backlogs**: Sometimes there can be backlogs at certain consulates or in specific categories that might affect how long it takes to process either type of application. 4. **Travel Needs**: If your spouse needs to enter the U.S. urgently and cannot wait for an immigrant visa, then pursuing a K-3 might still make sense. 5. **Approval Trends**: In recent years, many applicants have found that by the time they receive approval for their K-3 petition (Form I-129F), their I-130 has already been approved, negating the need for a separate nonimmigrant visa. 6. **Alternative Options**: Consider other nonimmigrant visas that might allow your spouse entry into the U.S., depending on their circumstances and qualifications. Before making any decisions, it's advisable to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and keep you informed about current processing trends and policies affecting both I-130 petitions and K-3 visas.

BASE (basic) 77.93

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

USA / Washington

22.07.2025 14:39:10 Filing for a K-3 visa can speed up reunification in theory, but in practice, it's often unnecessary because USCIS frequently processes the I-130 before the K-3 is even reviewed. If the I-130 is close to approval, the K-3 will likely be closed automatically by the National Visa Center. Still, some couples apply for both to cover delays or get the case moving through the consulate faster. If your I-130 was filed recently or processing times are long in your service center, it might be worth submitting the K-3 as a backup.

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Moroz Eugene Olegovich

Consultant

USA / California

22.07.2025 14:48:30 The K-3 visa was designed to reduce wait times, but today it’s rarely used since most I-130s are processed faster than the K-3 application itself. Once your I-130 is approved, the K-3 becomes moot and is typically terminated. However, filing for a K-3 could still make sense if you're facing significant delays or your I-130 is far from approval. It's not harmful to apply, but don’t expect it to significantly speed up the process unless USCIS delays are unusually long.