A K-3 visa is a visa issued to a person who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen, so that she can stay in the United States while awaiting an immigrant visa.
In this case, a spouse is defined as a legally wedded couple. Cohabiting partners do not qualify, but common-law partners might qualify.
The K-3 visa was developed in order to keep families together when a U.S. citizen marries a non-citizen and wants to return with his spouse to the United States.
Many people have entered into marriages simply to get a K-3 visa, rather than to create a legitimate marriage. As a result, the U.S. Immigration Services investigates the legitimacy marriages involved in K-3 visa applications.
Children involved can be granted a visa only after the parent is granted a K-3 visa.
