K1 visa and K3 visa: a comparison

U.S. citizens and their foreign fiance(e)s and spouses often wonder which visa to use and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each. The following chart below presents the characteristics of each and allows a side-by-side comparison.

If you have more questions about which visa is more appropriate for you and your loved one's situation, please contact us for a consultation.

	K-1 Visa	K-3 Visa	IR-1 Visa
Visa type	Non-immigrant	Non-immigrant	Immigrant
Approximate total processing time	6-12 months	6-12 months	12-24 months
Where do I file the petition?	The BCIS	The BCIS	May file abroad
What petition form do I file?	I-129F	I-129F and I-130	I-130
Are there any major restrictions I should know about?	Single entry. Valid for 6 months; to marry petitioner within 90 days of entry to the United States and must adjust status	Multiple entry. Valid for two years, but must adjust status within 2 years	LPR status. Processing for green card begins on entry
Can my fiancée/fiancé or spouse take her/his children?	Yes. Only unmarried children under 21 but must be issued K-2 visa within one year of the K-1 issuance	Yes. Only unmarried children under 21 but must be issued K-4 visa within one year of the K-3 issuance	Yes. Separate IR-2 petitions must be filed for each child. Stepchild must be younger than 18 years old at time of parent’s marriage
Is an interview required?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Do I submit the I-134 Affidavit of Support?	Yes	Yes	No
Does the Embassy need the original petition & documents from BCIS?	Yes.	Yes.	Yes.

		National Immigration Services An Immigration Law Firm
MyVisa.com

K-1 Visa

K-3 Visa

IR-1 Visa