United States of America

US Fiancé/Spouse Visa (K-1/K-3)

Relationship-based K categories. Fees vary.

About visa

The U.S. Fiancé/Spouse Visa (K-1/K-3) allows Georgian citizens to join their U.S. citizen fiancé/spouse in the United States. These visas are not immigration visas per se, but are a way for foreign nationals to enter the United States and then adjust their status to permanent resident status (known as a “green card”). The K-1 visa is for the fiancé/spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States and marry the U.S. citizen for 90 days, after which the status must be adjusted. The K-3 visa is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen whose I-130 petition has already been filed but has not yet been approved, allowing them to enter the United States more quickly.

To obtain a K-1 visa, a U.S. citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F (“Petition for Alien Fiancé/Fiancée”) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, where the Georgian citizen applicant will be interviewed. The K-1 visa is typically valid for a single entry of 6 months. After entry on this visa, the marriage must take place within 90 days, followed by an Adjustment of Status application for permanent residence.

The K-3 visa, which has become less common due to the recent accelerated processing of I-130 petitions, is intended for spouses whose I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) has already been filed with USCIS. The purpose of the K-3 visa is to allow the spouse to enter the United States while awaiting approval of the I-130 petition in the United States. The K-3 visa is valid for multiple entries for 2 years. Holders of this visa can obtain permission to work in the United States (Employment Authorization Document - EAD) and then adjust their status to permanent residency after the I-130 petition is approved.

The US fiancé/spouse visa differs from other immigration categories. For example, the US immigrant visa (IV) directly grants permanent resident status, while the K-1/K-3 visas only allow temporary entry for the purpose of changing status. Unlike the Canadian or Australian family sponsorship programs, the US K-1/K-3 process involves two main steps: petition approval and then a consular interview. The US tourist/business visa (B1/B2) does not allow for marriage or permanent residence in the US, so it is important to choose the right category. If your goal is to study or participate in an exchange program, you should consider the US exchange visa (J-1) or student visas.

Proof of a valid relationship and the financial means of the U.S. citizen petitioner are essential to obtaining these visas. Common reasons for denial include lack of documentation of a relationship, insufficient financial support, a criminal record, or prior immigration violations. GetVisa offers full support in preparing the K-1/K-3 visa application, document review, and interview preparation to maximize your chances of success.

18 to 24 months (including petition and consular review)

$205 USD

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months after entry into the US.

Form DS-160: Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form Confirmation Page.

Passport-sized photo: one color photo taken within the last six months (5x5 cm, white background).

Interview Confirmation: A confirmation page for your scheduled interview with the U.S. Embassy.

I-129F (K-1) or I-130 (K-3) Petition Approval Notice (Notice of Action - I-797): This is confirmation of USCIS's approval of the petition.

💰Financial Documents

Proof of Financial Support (I-134 or I-864): A U.S. citizen petitioner must provide proof of financial means to demonstrate that the applicant will not become a recipient of public assistance in the U.S. This includes income verification documents, bank statements, and tax returns.

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Birth Certificate: Original birth certificate of the applicant.

Police certificate: from all countries where the applicant has lived for at least six months after the age of 16.

Marriage Certificate (for K-3): If the applicant is already married to a US citizen petitioner.

Previous marriage/divorce certificates: If either party was previously married, documents proving the end of previous marriages are required.

🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

Medical Examination: The applicant must undergo a complete medical examination by a physician authorized by the US Embassy.

📋Other Documents

Documents proving the relationship: photos, correspondence, joint travel reports, gift receipts, and any other evidence that proves the authenticity of the relationship.

Applicant's Intent (for K-1): A K-1 visa applicant must certify that they will marry a U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of arriving in the United States.

Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship: birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.

Application Process

Filing a petition (by a US citizen petitioner)

A U.S. citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F (for a K-1 visa) or I-130 (for a K-3 visa) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the first and longest stage of the process.

Petition approval and transfer to NVC

Once the petition is approved by USCIS, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC reviews the documents and assigns a case number, after which it is sent to the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi.

Filling out the DS-160 form

A Georgian citizen applicant must complete the Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160) online. This form contains personal information, travel history, and relationship details.

Paying the fee and scheduling an interview

Pay the US fiancé/spousal visa application fee ($205 USD) and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Tbilisi. Make sure the interview date is convenient for you.

Undergoing a medical examination

Before the interview, the applicant must undergo a complete medical examination by a physician authorized by the U.S. Embassy. All required vaccinations and medical requirements must be met.

Interview at the US Embassy

Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. Bring all required original documents with you. During the interview, the consul will assess the authenticity of your relationship and your compliance with visa requirements.

Obtaining a visa and traveling to the USA

If you are successful in your interview, your passport will be returned to you with a visa. In the case of a K-1 visa, you must marry and apply for adjustment of status within 90 days of arriving in the United States.

Adjustment of Status

K-1 visa holders must file Form I-485 (Application for Permanent Residence) with USCIS after marriage. K-3 visa holders do this after their I-130 petition is approved. This is the final step in obtaining permanent residency.

Important Tips & Advice

Proof of Relationship: Gather all possible evidence to prove the authenticity of your relationship. This could include photos of you together, correspondence (emails, chats), gift receipts, documents from joint travel, and testimonials from friends/family members. This is crucial for obtaining a US fiancé/spousal visa.

Demonstrate financial stability: The U.S. citizen petitioner must provide strong financial evidence (Form I-864 or I-134) to prove that he or she can financially support you in the U.S. Make sure that all documents (tax returns, income statements, bank statements) are complete and consistent. Similar to Canadian family sponsorship, financial support is essential here.

Preparing for the interview: Prepare thoroughly for your interview at the embassy. Be honest and consistent in your answers. The consul may ask questions about your relationship, past, future plans, and the U.S. citizen petitioner. Unlike a Japanese visa, where an interview may not be mandatory, this is a crucial stage for U.S. family visas.

Meet medical requirements: Get a timely medical examination by a doctor authorized by the U.S. Embassy. Make sure you have all required vaccinations and that your medical report is complete. Any inconsistencies may result in visa denial.

Do not hide information: Always be honest and accurate in your application and interview. Providing any false information or concealing facts can lead to a lifetime visa ban. GetVisa recommends that you seek professional help to avoid mistakes.

Processing Fees

US Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee (DS-160)

This is the K-1 or K-3 visa application fee that a Georgian citizen applicant pays at the U.S. Embassy prior to scheduling an interview. This fee does not include the petition filing fee (I-129F or I-130) that a U.S. citizen petitioner pays at USCIS. Official fees are subject to change, please check the embassy website.

$205 USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between K-1 and K-3 visas?

The K-1 visa is for the fiancé/fiancée of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days. The K-3 visa is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen whose immigration petition (I-130) has already been filed but has not yet been approved, allowing them to enter the U.S. more quickly.

How long does it take to process a US fiancé/spousal visa?

Processing times for a US fiancé/spouse visa vary considerably, but it can typically take 18 to 24 months or more from the time you file your I-129F or I-130 petition to the time you receive your visa. This includes the time it takes for the petition to be reviewed by USCIS, the NVC to process it, and the embassy interview.

Can I work in the US on a K-1 or K-3 visa?

After entering the United States on a K-1 or K-3 visa, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). K-1 visa holders do this along with their application to adjust status. K-3 visa holders can apply for an EAD from USCIS.

What are the common reasons for visa refusal?

Common reasons for denial include insufficient proof of the authenticity of the relationship, insufficient financial support from the US citizen petitioner, a criminal record, previous immigration law violations, or failure to meet medical examination requirements.

United States of America Visa Types

Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

US Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2)

US Student Visa (F-1)

US Exchange Visa (J-1)

US Work Visa (H-1B)

US Immigrant Visa (IV)