K3 Visa Lawyer Serving the Bronx, New York
A K3 visa allows a foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while awaiting approval of an immigrant visa petition. The process involves filing an I-130 petition and an I-129F petition. As a K3 visa lawyer in the Bronx, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides guidance through this complex federal process. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented immigration case results firm-wide.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Immigration Court | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Understanding the K3 Visa Process
The K3 nonimmigrant visa is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.) and its implementing regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It is designed to reduce family separation by allowing a spouse to wait in the U.S. for immigrant visa processing. The visa petition process lawyer Bronx residents consult must handle two concurrent filings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Official Government Resources
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (official USCIS)
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (official USCIS)
Procedural Steps for a K3 Visa in New York
The key local procedural fact for Bronx residents is that K3 visa cases are processed through the USCIS National Benefits Center, with interviews typically scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the beneficiary’s home country. However, all initial petitions are filed with USCIS lockbox facilities. An experienced immigration visa application lawyer Bronx families trust can manage the details of this multi-agency process.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
- After I-130 receipt notice, file Form I-129F for K3 visa.
- Await approval of the I-129F from USCIS.
- Upon approval, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- The NVC forwards the case to the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
- The beneficiary attends a medical exam and visa interview abroad.
K3 Visa Requirements and Considerations
For a Bronx applicant, the K3 visa requires a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen, a pending I-130 petition, and the intention to adjust status to lawful permanent resident once in the United States.
| Requirement | Description | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Petitioner | Must be a U.S. citizen | Legal marriage must be established. |
| Underlying Petition | Form I-130 must be filed and pending | The I-129F cannot be approved before the I-130 is received. |
| Visa Intent | Nonimmigrant intent to await processing | Beneficiary must intend to adjust status after entry. |
| Processing | Handled via consular processing abroad | Interview is at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your K3 Visa Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to immigration matters. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients in the Bronx and beyond. We understand the urgency of family reunification and work to handle the visa petition process efficiently.
Case Results and Client Focus
While specific K3 visa results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. For immigration matters, our focus is on meticulous preparation of petitions and applications to avoid requests for evidence (RFEs) or delays. A dedicated K3 visa lawyer Bronx residents work with can make a significant difference in handling the procedural hurdles.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bronx K3 Visa Lawyers
Our New York location serves clients in the Bronx and surrounding communities. We are accessible via major highways and transit lines.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Buffalo, New York 14202 Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment only.
We serve the Bronx and neighborhoods including Fordham, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Pelham Parkway, and Morris Park.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: K3 Visa in the Bronx
Where is the immigration court for New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Removal proceedings at New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications. NY has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS handles immigration for New York County (Manhattan) residents. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What is the first step in the K3 visa process?
The first step is for the U.S. citizen spouse to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This establishes the qualifying relationship. A K3 visa lawyer Bronx families hire can ensure this petition is filed correctly to avoid delays.
Can I adjust status in the U.S. on a K3 visa?
Yes. The primary purpose of the K3 visa is to allow the spouse to enter the U.S. and then apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) by filing Form I-485. An immigration visa application lawyer Bronx residents rely on can manage this two-step process.
How long does the K3 visa process take?
It depends. Current USCIS processing times for the underlying I-130 petition can exceed 12 months. The subsequent I-129F and consular processing add several more months. Total processing time often ranges from 15 to 24 months or longer. An experienced visa petition process lawyer Bronx clients consult can provide updated timelines.
What are the fees for a K3 visa?
The required government fees include $675 for Form I-130, $675 for Form I-129F, and a $265 visa application processing fee. Additional costs include medical examination and biometrics fees. A K3 visa lawyer Bronx residents work with can provide a full breakdown of expected costs.
For more information, see our New York Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Manhattan and family law in Manhattan.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.