K3 Visa for Pakistani Citizens

A K3 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the Pakistani spouse of a US citizen to enter the US while waiting for their immigrant visa petition to be processed. Its primary purpose is to shorten the physical separation between spouses during the lengthy immigration process.

Unlike the K1 Visa, which is intended for those who plan to get married in the US, the K3 Visa is for already-married couples. Additionally, the K3 Visa allows Pakistani spouses of US citizens to enter the US faster compared to the I-130 immigrant visa process.

However, the K3 Visa might not always be the best choice. Its processing time can be the same as that of a Green Card application so sometimes applying directly for a Green Card could potentially be quicker.

The best way to determine which visa is right for you is to speak with an immigration attorney. At Total Law, we can assess your circumstances and recommend the best visa option for you and your spouse. Get in touch with us now at +1 844 290 6312 to schedule a consultation.

Page Contents

• Overview of the K3 Visa for Pakistani Citizens
• Eligibility Requirements for a K3 Visa
• K3 Visa Application Process
• Required Documents for the K3 Visa
• K3 Visa Processing Fees
• Bringing Dependents to the US on a K3 Visa
• K3 Visa Processing Time from Pakistan
• Working in the US with a K3 Visa
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible for a K3 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be the lawful spouse of a US citizen
• Be living in a foreign country outside of the United States
• Have a pending Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed on your behalf by your US citizen spouse

In addition, the US citizen spouse must meet the income requirements for a K3 Visa sponsor. This means that their adjusted gross income on their most recent tax return must be at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines set by the US government.

The total amount required various depending on the number of people within the household but the current required minimum household income for a two-person civilian household is $22,888.

To apply for the K3 Visa, you need to complete the following steps:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative must be completed by the US citizen sponsor.
• File Form I-129F: After your US spouse has received a receipt notice for Form I-130, they must also file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). This form requires them to provide evidence of their US citizenship and a legally recognised marriage certificate.
• Submit D2-160: After Form I-129F is approved, you will need to electronically submit Form DS-160 and ensure you retain a copy of the application confirmation page.
• Pay the Visa Processing Fee: This can be done online or at your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Schedule an Interview: You will need to schedule an interview at a US embassy in Pakistan.
• Undergo a Medical Examination.

Ensure you have the following documents ready for your K3 Visa application:

• Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Police certificates from all countries where the Pakistani spouse has lived for six months or more since age 16
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
• Evidence of the ongoing I-130 petition
• Passport-sized photos
• Medical examination report from an authorised professional

The total cost of a K3 Visa application is approximately $1,040. However, this may vary depending on the additional services you choose to use during the application process. Below is the breakdown of the K3 Visa application fees:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: $535
• Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): $535
• Biometrics services fee: $85
• Medical examination fees: vary depending on the medical service provider that conducts the examination.

As a K3 Visa applicant, your unmarried children under the age of 21 may also be eligible for a K4 Visa. This visa allows children to come to the US to join their parents while the K3 Visa petition is pending.

To be eligible for a K4 Visa, the child must:

• Be the unmarried child of a K3 Visa applicant
• Be under the age of 21
• Be in the legal custody of the K3 Visa applicant
• Meet all other requirements for an immigrant visa, such as health and criminal background checks

The K4 Visa application process is similar to the K3 Visa application process. You must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), and Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on the child’s behalf. Your child must also submit Form DS-160, Online Application for Nonimmigrant Visa, and pay the visa application fee.

Once the K4 Visa is approved, your child can travel to the United States and stay for a period of one year. During this time, the child can apply for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.

If you have any other dependents, such as an adult child or a parent, they will not be eligible to accompany you to the US on the K3 Visa.

If you are considering applying for a K4 Visa for your child, contact us today. We can help you determine if your child is eligible for the visa and guide you through the application process. Call +1 844 290 6312 to get started.

The processing time for a K3 Visa from Pakistan typically takes 6 to 9 months. After submitting Form I-129F, it takes about 30 days for US Immigration to issue a receipt notice, which confirms that your petition has been received.

The interview stage typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to schedule. It is recommended to apply well ahead of time and not make any travel arrangements until the visa has been approved.

K3 Visa holders are not automatically authorised to work in the United States. To be able to work in the US, you need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which would allow you to work legally in the country.

You can apply for an EAD after your K3 Visa has been approved. The application process for an EAD can take several months. If you are granted an EAD, you will be able to work legally for the duration of your K3 Visa, although some job roles may be restricted.

If you are interested in working while a K3 Visa holder the you may wish to consult with our immigration attorneys to discuss your case. We can help you determine if you are eligible for an EAD and guide you through the application process. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 to get assistance.