The K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa created to allow the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. while waiting for their pending Form I-130 immigrant petition to be processed. To apply, the couple must be legally married, the U.S. citizen spouse must have filed an I-130 petition, and a separate I-129F petition must be submitted for the K-3 visa. However, the K-3 is often considered redundant compared to the CR-1 visa process.

Holders of the K-3 visa are granted a two-year stay, with possible extensions in 2-year increments. The K‑3 does not itself grant permanent residence. It is a temporary bridge visa. To become a permanent resident (green card holder), the spouse must still complete the immigrant visa process (CR‑1 or IR‑1) or adjust status in the U.S. once the I‑130 is approved.

The main costs with the K-3 visa are the consular fee of roughly $265 and $535 for the I-129F (if applicant decides to stay in the USA temporarily while awaiting the I-130 approval). The process is of moderate difficulty, and visa agency assistance can be helpful. Processing typically takes 6 to 12 months, and approval rates are in the range of 75–80%.

Why is there confusion with K-3:  Because the K‑3 is tied to the immigrant petition, many assume it grants permanent stay. In reality, it only allows entry and temporary 2-year residence until the I-130 immigrant petition is adjudicated.