Do I need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee with a K-3 visa?

The K‑3 visa was created to facilitate the entry of the foreign spouse into the United States while the immigrant visa process (CR‑1/IR‑1) is still ongoing. With this visa type, the beneficiary enters with a nonimmigrant status and must later adjust their status to become a legal permanent resident (green card).

This transition means that, at some point, other fees and charges may be required. Specifically regarding the USCIS Immigrant Fee, this fee is traditionally associated with the issuance of the permanent resident card and is due when the applicant has formally become an immigrant with resident status.

For K‑3 visa holders, since the visa is originally nonimmigrant in nature, this fee is not charged upon entry into the United States. However, when beginning the adjustment of status process to obtain the green card, other fees-such as those related to Form I‑485 and possibly other biometric-related expenses-should be considered.

The USCIS Immigrant Fee itself will only apply when the permanent resident status is granted and the physical card is ready to be issued. It is crucial to remember that each stage of the immigration process is subject to rules and deadlines set by the American authorities.

Therefore, it is imperative to strictly follow immigration laws and be cautious of seemingly miraculous offers or promises of easy results, which may be associated with scams and dubious marketing practices. Always pay close attention to official sources and, if necessary, seek guidance from specialized professionals to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly.

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.