K3 Visa Lawyer Serving Richmond County (Staten Island), 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 is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act. For Staten Island residents, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced guidance through this complex visa petition process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The K3 nonimmigrant visa is a specific provision for spouses of U.S. citizens. It is designed to shorten the physical separation between spouses while the Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is pending. The process requires filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) after the I-130 is filed. A K3 visa lawyer Staten Island can help handle the dual-filing requirement and ensure all documentation meets USCIS standards.
Official Government Resources
handling the K3 Visa Process in New York
For Staten Island residents, the initial immigration visa application lawyer Staten Island filings are typically mailed to the USCIS lockbox based on the petitioner’s state of residence. After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the beneficiary’s home country for the visa interview. New York’s strong sanctuary policies, like NYC Executive Order 41, limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, which can affect related matters but not the federal K3 process itself.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
- Upon receipt notice, file Form I-129F for a K3 visa.
- Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS promptly.
- Upon approval, complete processing through the National Visa Center.
- Prepare for and attend the medical exam and visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
- Enter the U.S. on the K3 visa and later apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your K3 Visa Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm understands the importance of family reunification. We provide clear guidance on the visa petition process lawyer Staten Island clients need, from initial filing to adjustment of status. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is admitted to practice in multiple states and focuses on complex immigration matters.
Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
We actively handle immigration cases for Staten Island residents.
Contact Our Immigration Team
Our New York location serves clients in Richmond County (Staten Island). We are accessible via I-278 and the Staten Island Expressway, near the Richmond County Courthouse in St. George.
K3 visa lawyer near Staten Island serving neighborhoods including St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: K3 Visas in Staten Island
Where is the immigration court for Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
Removal proceedings are held at the New York Immigration Court in Manhattan or the Varick Street Immigration Court. The USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications like adjustment of status. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement.
What is the first step in getting a K3 visa?
The U.S. citizen spouse must first file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This establishes the qualifying relationship. It is the foundational step in the visa petition process lawyer Staten Island residents begin with.
Can I work in the U.S. on a K3 visa?
Yes. After entering the U.S. on a K3 visa, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 with USCIS. You cannot work until you receive the EAD card.
How long does the K3 visa process take?
It depends. Current USCIS processing times for the underlying I-130 and I-129F petitions vary. The entire process, including consular processing, often takes over a year. An experienced K3 visa lawyer Staten Island can help manage timelines and expectations.
What happens if my I-130 is approved before my I-129F?
If the I-130 is approved first, the K3 visa path typically closes. Your case will proceed directly to the National Visa Center for consular processing of an immigrant visa (IR-1/CR-1). A lawyer can advise on the best path forward.
For more information, see our New York Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense and family law in Staten Island.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.