Key points in this article:
- Relationship status: K-1 is for engaged couples; K-3 is for couples who are already legally married.
- Filing process: K-1 requires Form I-129F. K-3 requires both Form I-130 and I-129F.
- Visa usage: K-1 visas are commonly issued. K-3 visas are rarely used in 2025 because most I-130 petitions are approved before K-3 processing is complete.
- Next steps after arrival: K-1 visa holders must marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card. K-3 visa holders wait for their I-130 to be approved, then apply for a green card through adjustment of status or consular processing.
- Total cost: Both visa paths typically cost around $2,300+ if the green card is processed in the U.S.
The K-1 and K-3 Visa Differences
The K-1 visa is designed for the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, while the K-3 visa is intended for a foreign spouse. The key difference between the two is timing: K-1 visa holders must marry within 90 days of entering the United States, whereas K-3 visa holders are already married and are waiting for their immigrant petition to be processed.
In this article, we’ll break down the eligibility requirements, procedures, similarities, and differences between the K-1 and K-3 visas to help you decide which option best fits your situation in 2025.
The main difference between the two visas is that a K1 visa requires the couple to marry within 90 days of the foreign national’s entry into the United States, while there is no such requirement for a K3 visa since they are already a spouse of a U.S citizen. In this article, we will list the requirements and procedures, similarities, and differences between both visas.
K-1 and K-3 Visa Fee Comparison Table (2025 Rates):
Before we dive into the differences between the K-1 and K-3 visas, please make note of the fees for each visa type. Please refer to this table once you decide which visa type is right for you.
The table below shows government filing fees for the K-1 and K-3 visa processes, based on the April 2024 USCIS fee update. This fees are still applicable in 2025.
| Fee Type | K-1 Fiancé Visa | K-3 Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Form I-129F (Petition) | $675 | $0 (filed after I-130) |
| USCIS Form I-130 (Petition) | — | $675 |
| DS-160 Visa Application (Embassy) | $265 | $265 |
| USCIS Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | $1,440 | $1,440 (if adjusting in U.S.) |
| Immigrant Visa Processing Fee (Consular path) | — | $325 (if completing abroad) |
| Affidavit of Support Fee (for consular filing) | — | $120 (if filing overseas) |
| Medical Exam (varies by country) | Varies | Varies |
- K-1 applicants must file Form I-485 after marriage to adjust status in the U.S.
- K-3 visa holders may either adjust status in the U.S. or proceed through consular processing for their green card.
- Fees are per USCIS and Department of State rates as of 2025.
- Always confirm fees on the USCIS Filing Fees page before applying.
K-1 vs K-3 Visa Comparison Table (2025)
| Criteria | K-1 Fiancé Visa | K-3 Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Status | Engaged (not yet married) | Married to a U.S. citizen |
| Petitions Filed | Form I-129F | Form I-130 and Form I-129F |
| Visa Category | Nonimmigrant (K-1) | Nonimmigrant (K-3, rarely issued) |
| Visa Validity | 6 months, single entry | 2 years, multiple entry (if issued) |
| Post-Entry Requirement | Must marry within 90 days, then apply for green card (Form I-485) | Wait for I-130 approval, then apply for green card via adjustment or consular processing |
| Total Government Fees (2025) | Approx. $2,380 (if adjusting in the U.S.) | Approx. $2,380 (if adjusting in the U.S.) or ~$1,300 (if consular green card) |
| Current Usage | Common and actively issued | Rarely issued as of 2025 |
What is a K1 Visa?
The K-1 visa is known as a fiancé visa. This visa is for a fiancé of a U.S citizen. The visa allows for the engaged foreign partner to travel to the United States with the intention of marrying their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of their arrival.
The marriage must be done bona fide meaning you will need to prove that you will marry in good faith and not for fraudulent or immigration purposes.
Who is Eligible for a K1 Visa?
To be eligible for the K1 visa you must be:
- A U.S. Citizen
- Both you and your fiancé plan to marry each other within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival in the U.S.
- You are both legally free to marry. Any past marriages are required to be legally terminated either by divorce, death, or annulment.
- You and your fiancé must have met in person at least once within a 2-year period before the application was filed. If you were unable to meet this requirement, you can file a waiver noting why you were not able to meet in person. Reasons can include religious, cultural, or social practice; and/ or if you couldn’t visit because of other extreme circumstances.
- Prove that the relationship is valid and has been from the beginning of the relationship.
- You are required to meet at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For the K-1 visa interview, you will typically submit Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support). Later, when applying for a green card after marriage, you will need to submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which uses a 125% income threshold.
- Before applying, make sure you meet the K-1 visa income requirements.
How Can I Apply for a K1 Visa?
You, as the U.S citizen sponsor, will file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé to USCIS for your Fiancé. You will need to include additional documentation proving the relationship and identification of each recipient. Ensure that you read through all the requirements correctly before you submit your application. Any missing documents may result in delays or you may even be denied.
After you file, the application will be checked for eligibility by USCIS. Then the application will be sent to the DOS National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. If approved, they will send the application over to the closest U.S. embassy where your Fiancé lives.
Your fiancé will be required to apply for a K-1 visa Form DS-160 at that location’s Embassy or consulate.
The K1 visa fees are as follows:
- USCIS filing fee: $675
- Form DS-160: $265
- Medical exam fee: Varies
K-1 Visa Interview: What to Expect
Your fiancé will attend an interview where he/she will be asked a series of questions relating to their relationship, background, and future plans for the marriage. It’s important your fiancé knows what to bring to the interview and to be honest anytime during the questioning.
If the U.S. embassy or consular believes that the relationship is valid and there is no suspicion of foul play, they will grant the request for a K1 visa. Once granted, it is valid for up to six months and can only be used once at any U.S. port of entry.
After you marry, your fiancé can apply for an Adjustment of Status (a green card) by filling out Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjust Status. This will cost you $1440.
Before attending the interview, please read up on the main reasons for a K-1 visa denial.
What is a K3 Visa?
The K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa intended to allow the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while waiting for approval of their immigrant visa petition (Form I-130). It was originally created to reduce long separation times between spouses.
However, in 2025, the K-3 visa is rarely issued. In most cases, the immigrant petition (Form I-130) is approved before the K-3 visa can be processed, making it unnecessary. As a result, most couples apply directly for a spousal green card through the CR-1 or IR-1 visa process.
K-3 Visa Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for a K-3 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- The spouse must be the legal spouse of a U.S. citizen. (Spouses with U.S. green card holders do not qualify.)
- Your foreign spouse must currently live outside of the United States.
- The U.S citizen spouse must have filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative on behalf of their spouse; and is awaiting a decision from USCIS.
- U.S. citizen spouses must meet certain income requirements. The most recent tax return must show an adjusted gross income of at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you are unable to meet this requirement, you must file an “affidavit of support.”
- Biological or adopted children (of the foreign spouse) who will also travel to the United States (on a K-4 visa) must be unmarried and under 21 years old.
How Can I Apply for a K3 Visa?
To apply for a K-3 visa, the U.S. citizen spouse must file two petitions with USCIS: Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé). Once approved, the foreign spouse will apply for the K-3 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, typically in their country of residence.
You’ll need to complete the following government forms:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
- Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
In addition to these forms, you must provide supporting documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Marriage certificate (certified and translated into English)
- Medical exam and proof of required vaccinations
- Birth certificate
- Any applicable criminal or court records
- Evidence of financial support
The K3 visa fees are as follows:
- USCIS filing fee: $675
- DS-160 application fee: $265
- Medical exam fee: Varies
Before you begin the application, ask your immigration attorney if this is the best option for you. For more information on applying for a K3 visa visit the USCIS website.
K-3 Visa Interview Process
The interview will take place after Form I-129 has been approved by USCIS. You will be required to attend in person at the nearest U.S Embassy or Consulate. An officer will review your application and ask you a series of questions related to your application, relationship and marriage. Generally, you will hear back whether your request has been approved that day or by the end of the following day.
What Do the K1 And K3 Visas Have in Common?
The K1 and K3 visas have many things in common. Here is the list.
- Both are non-immigrant visas
- Both use Form I-129F for the visa application
- Both are steps toward living in the United States
- Both may lead to becoming lawful permanent residents (obtaining a green card).
- Both are used to bring loved ones including spouses and their children to the United States.
- Both K1 and K3 visa holders may receive a conditional green card at first (they will need to apply to have it removed).
Differences Between the K-1 and K-3 Visas in 2025
Now let’s look at the difference between K1 and K3 visas.
- The K1 visa is for couples who have not yet wedded and plan to marry within 90 days of the fiancé entering the U.S. versus the K3 is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- The K1 visa does not require an immigrant petition (Form I-130) the K3 does.
- The K1 visa is only valid for one entry into the United States versus the K3 where a visa holder can travel and work (with proper documentation).
- Children of K1 visa holders can also modify their status without filing Form I-130 but children of K3 must file a separate Form I-130.
- K1 visas will need to change their status to obtain a green card (once forms are granted) versus K3 visa holders can choose between an adjustment of status or consular processing.
- The K1 can cost anywhere around $2,025 or more and the K3 can cost anywhere around $1,200. Visit USCIS for filing fees.
How to Choose Between a K1 and K3 Visa
Choosing between a K1 and K3 really depends on your situation with your partner. It can take up to 9 months for the K3 visa process to complete, which is the same amount of time it would take to obtain a marriage green card, so many people avoid taking this route. Other options also include the spousal visa under the IRI or CR1 categories. Nevertheless, before you make a decision, contact an immigration attorney, they will direct you toward the best option for you.
K-1 vs K-3 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the K3 Visa Easier than K1?
Not necessarily. In 2025, most couples find that the K-1 and K-3 visa routes cost roughly the same once all required steps are complete. While the K-1 may seem more straightforward for engaged couples, the K-3 visa is rarely used today because the immigrant petition (Form I-130) is typically approved before a K-3 visa can be processed. For married couples, the CR-1 or IR-1 spousal visa is usually a faster and more reliable option.
What is the Difference Between the K1 and K3 Visas?
The main difference between the K1 and K3 visas is that a K1 visa is for a foreign partner (who is not yet married to a U.S citizen) and a K3 visa is for a spouse (already married) to a U.S citizen.
How Long Does it Take to Get a K3 Visa approved?
A K3 visa is a lengthy process. First, you will need to get Forms I-130 and I-129F approved. Then you will need to submit Form DS-160 and attend a scheduled interview. Generally, the process can take anywhere from six to nine months or more (depending on any delays in any part of the application).
Choosing the Right Visa for Your Relationship
Deciding between a K-1 and K-3 visa depends on your relationship status, immigration goals, and timeline. While the K-1 visa is ideal for engaged couples who plan to marry in the U.S., the K-3 visa was designed for already-married couples—though it’s rarely issued today. Given the changing immigration landscape and updated USCIS fees, it’s essential to understand your options clearly before applying. For personalized guidance based on your situation, we recommend speaking with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you choose the most efficient path forward.
