K-Visas
Helping Fiancés and Spouses of U.S. Citizens Unite in America
New Orleans Immigration Lawyers
At The Rousell Law Firm, we know that love doesn’t stop at borders. If you’re engaged or married to a U.S. citizen and want to bring your fiancé(e) or spouse to the United States, a K-visa may be the right path for you.
Our New Orleans immigration attorneys help couples navigate the complex K-visa process with precision and compassion — ensuring your loved one can enter the United States legally and without unnecessary delays.
Whether you are preparing to get married or are already married and waiting to reunite, our team will guide you every step of the way.
What Is a K-Visa?
A K-visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the foreign fiancé(e), spouse, or child of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States temporarily — with the opportunity to later apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card).
There are several types of K-visas, each designed for a different situation:
Visa Type | Who It's For | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
K-4 | Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-3 visa holder | Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-3 visa holder |
K-3 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen | Spouse of a U.S. citizen |
K-2 | Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-1 visa holder | Unmarried child (under 21) of a K-1 visa holder |
K-1 | Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen | Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen |
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: Bringing Your Future Spouse to the U.S.
The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married.
Once the marriage takes place within 90 days of arrival, the foreign spouse can apply to adjust status and become a lawful permanent resident.
Basic K-1 Visa Requirements
To qualify, you and your fiancé(e) must:
-
Intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S.
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Have personally met in person at least once within the past two years (unless exempt for cultural or hardship reasons)
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Be legally free to marry (not married to anyone else)
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The U.S. citizen petitioner must meet certain income and financial requirements to support their fiancé(e)
K-3 Spouse Visa: Reuniting Married Couples
The K-3 visa is designed for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting abroad while their immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) is pending.
This visa allows the foreign spouse to enter the United States sooner rather than waiting for full immigrant visa processing to finish overseas.
K-3 Visa Requirements
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You must already be legally married to a U.S. citizen.
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The U.S. citizen must have filed Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS.
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You must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) for K-3 classification.
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Once admitted, the K-3 visa holder can apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.
K-2 and K-4 Visas: Bringing Your Children
If your fiancé(e) or spouse has unmarried children under 21, they may qualify for K-2 or K-4 visas to accompany or follow their parent to the United States.
Children must be listed on the original K-1 or K-3 petition to qualify.
Once in the U.S., they may also apply for permanent residence after the parent’s marriage or upon the parent’s adjustment of status.
Form | Purpose | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
Form I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) or Spouse (K-1/K-3) | $535 |
Form DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Embassy Fee) | $265 |
Form I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) after Marriage | $1,440 (includes biometrics) |
Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support (No filing fee, but required evidence of income) | — |
Medical Exam | Required by panel physician (varies by country) | $200–$400 (approx.) |
Note: Fees are subject to change by USCIS or the Department of State. Our firm will confirm all current fees during your consultation.
Our Legal Services Include:
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Evaluating eligibility for K-1, K-3, K-2, or K-4 visas
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Preparing and filing all required forms and supporting evidence
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Tracking your petition and embassy interview schedule
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Preparing you and your fiancé(e) or spouse for the visa interview
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Assisting with adjustment of status after arrival in the U.S.
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Handling RFEs (Requests for Evidence) and other USCIS inquiries
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Advising on travel and work authorization while your case is pending
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while protecting your immigration future.
Common Challenges with K-Visas
K-visas are often delayed or denied for issues such as:
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Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
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Failure to prove a bona fide relationship
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Prior immigration violations or inadmissibility issues
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Missing evidence of financial sponsorship
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Failing to marry within the 90-day requirement
At The Rousell Law Firm, we help you avoid these pitfalls by preparing a thorough, accurate, and compelling visa petition.
Work With a Knowledgeable K-Visa Attorney in New Orleans
Reuniting with your loved one shouldn’t be an uphill battle.
At The Rousell Law Firm, we help couples and families throughout New Orleans and South Louisiana navigate the K-visa process from start to finish.
We’ll ensure your petition is properly filed, deadlines are met, and your relationship is represented clearly to U.S. immigration authorities.
Step | Action | Who Files / Handles It | Approximate Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Adjustment of Status | After marriage (K-1) or upon arrival (K-3), the spouse files Form I-485 to apply for a green card. | Beneficiary (with attorney assistance) | 8–14 months |
U.S. Entry | The beneficiary travels to the U.S. — K-1 visa holders must marry within 90 days of arrival. | Beneficiary | — |
Visa Issuance | If approved, the K-visa is stamped into the passport and valid for entry into the United States. | Embassy | 1–2 weeks |
Visa Interview | The beneficiary attends an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. | Beneficiary | — |
Embassy Processing | The foreign fiancé(e)/spouse completes Form DS-160, pays visa fees, and schedules a medical exam and interview. | Foreign Beneficiary | 1 –3 months |
Case Sent to NVC | The National Visa Center (NVC) assigns a case number and forwards it to the U.S. Embassy abroad. | NVC | 2–4 weeks |
USCIS Approval (NOA2) | USCIS reviews and approves the petition. | USCIS | — |
File Petition | The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) or Spouse) with USCIS. | U.S. Citizen Petitioner | 4–8 months |
Estimated Total Timeframe
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K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: ~9 to 14 months total
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K-3 Spouse Visa: ~10 to 16 months total (varies depending on USCIS processing speed and embassy backlog)
Processing times can vary by service center, embassy workload, and individual case circumstances. Our team continuously monitors your case and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Documents You’ll Need
To prepare a strong K-visa petition, you should gather the following:
Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
Proof of a bona fide relationship
(photos, communication, travel records)
Evidence
of having
met in person
(for K-1 cases)
Divorce decrees
or death
certificates
from any prior
marriages
Intent to marry
within 90 days
(for K-1) or
proof of valid marriage (for K-3)
Financial
documents (tax returns,
pay stubs,
employment
letter)
Passport-style
photos of
both petitioner
and
beneficiary
TYPICAL COSTS
&
FEES
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires government filing fees, which vary by case type. Typical expenses include:
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Petition for Family-Based Immigration: $675
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Adjustment of Status (green card within the U.S.): $1,440
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Employment Authorization (optional): $260
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Advance Parole (optional): $630
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Consular Processing Fees (if applying abroad): $120–$325 p/p
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Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): $235
Attorney’s fees are separate and depend on the complexity of the case. At The Rousell Law Firm, we provide transparent fee structures and clear guidance so families know what to expect from the start.
The Rousell Law Firm's Team
Clarity in Counsel. Results-Driven Solutions. An Open, Honest Process.
At Rousell Law Firm, we blend compassionate guidance with thoughtful legal strategy. Our attorneys take the time to understand your individual needs, craft a customized plan, and deliver a clear path forward — offering straightforward expectations, transparent pricing, and practical timelines.
Same Day Consultations
Tailored Approach & Transparent Guidance
Serving Greater New Orleans Metro & Surrounding Areas
Joelann S. Rousell, J.D., MBA
Managing Attorney
Attorney Rousell is a dedicated and skilled legal professional committed to providing exceptional representation for clients facing family law, immigration, personal and other legal matters.
Arielle M. Lewis, J.D.
(Of Counsel)
Attorney Lewis (Of Counsel) assists the Rousell Law Firm with all family matters, such as: divorce, child custody, child support, and community property matters.
How The Rousell Law Firm Can Help?
Our team works with clients across the New Orleans metropolitan area and South Louisiana. We:
We tailor every case to your unique situation.
From the first petition to the green card stage — we handle it all.
Proudly serving New Orleans and all of South Louisiana.
You’ll always know where your case stands.
At The Rousell Law Firm, we believe families belong together—and we are committed to helping you navigate the path to U.S. residency for the people you love.
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📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward bringing your family home.
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At The Rousell Law Firm, we offer personalized case evaluations to help our clients understand their options and make informed decisions. During your 30 minute initial consultation, potential clients have the opportunity to speak directly with Attorney Joelann Rousell about their case and receive a preliminary evaluation.
During the initial consultation, our goal is to provide you with an introductory explanation of the law that applies to your facts, a clear understanding of your legal matter and potential outcomes. Whether you are grappling with a family law matter, immigration, disability or need assistance with estate planning, our attorney has the knowledge and expertise to assist you in achieving your objectives.
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