K3 Visa Lawyer Serving Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.
The K-3 visa allows a foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while awaiting approval of an immigrant visa petition (I-130). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides direct representation for K3 visa applications in Adams Morgan and across Washington, D.C.
Understanding the K-3 Nonimmigrant Visa Process
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | U.S. Congress legislation
The K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa created to reduce family separation. It is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically under provisions for nonimmigrant visas for spouses. The process begins after a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for their spouse. While that petition is pending, the citizen can file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), to request a K-3 visa for their spouse to come to the U.S. to wait for the immigrant visa. Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, personally handles complex immigration matters and is consulted by diplomatic officials on U.S. legal frameworks.
Official Government Resources
For the governing law, review the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.). For application forms and procedures, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Procedural Insights for Adams Morgan Residents
K-3 visa applications for Adams Morgan residents are processed through the USCIS lockbox, then at a National Benefits Center. If approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the spouse’s home country for an interview. A key local procedural fact is that while the visa is processed abroad, any subsequent adjustment of status (Form I-485) after arrival would be filed with the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax, VA. The process requires precise coordination of multiple filings.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
- File Form I-129F for K-3 visa (after I-130 receipt notice).
- Await approval and transfer of the case to the National Visa Center.
- Complete Department of State forms and attend a medical exam.
- Attend the K-3 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
- Enter the U.S. on the K-3 visa and consider filing for adjustment of status.
K-3 Visa Requirements and Considerations
The K-3 visa process involves proving a bona fide marriage, meeting financial support requirements, and handling both USCIS and consular processing stages.
Key requirements include a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen, an actively pending I-130 petition, and the intention to immigrate. The sponsoring spouse must meet the income requirements of the I-864, Affidavit of Support. It is critical to note that the K-3 visa is largely obsolete if the I-130 is approved before the K-3 visa interview, as the spouse would then pursue an immigrant visa directly. An experienced immigration visa application lawyer Adams Morgan can handle these timing issues.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your K-3 Visa Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex immigration cases like K-3 visas. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, maintains a selective caseload to provide focused attention on each client’s visa petition process. His background is frequently sought for consultation on U.S. legal matters affecting international families.
Documented Immigration Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in immigration and related matters. In Washington, D.C., we have 1 total documented case result across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We approach each K-3 visa case with the same detailed preparation and strategic focus that has defined our practice for decades.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
K3 Visa Lawyer Near Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 273-5500
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves Adams Morgan clients and is approximately 3 miles from DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395 and I-66. We provide K3 visa lawyer services near Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
K-3 Visa Lawyer FAQs for Adams Morgan
Where is the immigration court for DC?
Removal proceedings for DC residents are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court at 1901 S. Bell St, Arlington, VA 22202. Affirmative applications like adjustments of status are processed at the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax, VA.
What is the difference between a K-1 and a K-3 visa?
It depends on your marital status. A K-1 fiancé visa is for an engaged partner to enter the U.S. to marry. A K-3 visa is for a spouse who is already legally married to a U.S. citizen but is waiting abroad for an immigrant visa. The K-3 allows them to wait in the U.S.
Can I work in the U.S. on a K-3 visa?
Yes. After entering the U.S. on a K-3 visa, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765. Approval typically takes several months, so planning is essential for the visa petition process.
How long does the K-3 visa process take?
Processing times vary. Currently, USCIS takes 10-13 months to process an I-129F for a K-3. After that, consular processing can add several more months. An immigration visa application lawyer Adams Morgan can provide current estimates and help manage the timeline.
What happens if my I-130 is approved before my K-3 visa?
If the I-130 is approved first, the K-3 visa petition may be denied as moot. Your spouse would then pursue an immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1) through consular processing instead. This is a common scenario that requires flexible legal strategy.
For more information, see our DC Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense and family law matters in Washington, D.C.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your K3 visa case.