Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

Can I accompany my family with a K-3 and then they apply for K-4?

The K-3 visa is for spouses of U.S. citizens and the K-4 for their children; it is recommended to include dependents from the start to avoid future legal complications.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 19, 2025
2 min read
Share

It is important to understand that the K-3 and K-4 visas were created to facilitate the family reunification process during the immigration petition procedures in the United States. The K-3 visa is intended for the spouse of a U.S. citizen, allowing that spouse to enter the country while the immigration process is ongoing.

The K-4 visa is designed for the minor children of the K-3 visa beneficiary. In practice, when the spouse enters with a K-3 visa, their children may be eligible to apply for the K-4 visa as dependents. Generally, it is advisable that the entire family unit be considered at the beginning of the process to avoid later complications.

Thus, if the intention is to accompany your family to the United States, it is ideal to include the children in the application, obtaining the K-4 for them from the start, provided they meet the established requirements. If, for some reason, the children are not initially included, it may be possible to apply for the K-4 visa at a later time, but this will involve additional procedures and careful compliance with all legal requirements.

It is worth noting that each case has particularities and that strictly following United States immigration laws is essential. To ensure that the entire process is properly handled and to avoid problems or possible fraud – especially amidst offers that promise expedited results – it is crucial to consult reliable sources and seek guidance from specialized professionals.

Remember: compliance with current immigration regulations is indispensable for the success of the process. Therefore, if you plan to enter with a K-3 visa to accompany your family, it is recommended to plan the inclusion of dependents (K-4 visa) from the beginning. If the situation requires a later application, be prepared to follow a specific procedure and fulfill all documentary and legal requirements. Always seek updated information and avoid falling for promises that guarantee results without backing from official immigration rules.

Learn more about K-3 Visa

Purpose
Spouse of U.S. citizen
Duration
2 years
Work
Authorized
Processing
12-18 months
All about K-3 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Can I accompany my family with a K-3 and then they apply for K-4?

The K-3 visa is for spouses of U.S. citizens and the K-4 for their children; it is recommended to include dependents from the start to avoid future legal complications.

Recommended reading about K-3

More content about K-3