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How long is the stay granted at the border?

The K-3 visa allows a temporary stay of up to two years in the U.S. while the adjustment of status is in progress. Attention to the I-94 dates and USCIS rules is essential.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on October 10, 2025
2 min read
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The K‑3 visa was created to help reduce the separation period between spouses of U.S. citizens, allowing the foreign spouse to obtain authorization to enter the United States while awaiting permanent residence application processing. Upon arriving at the border, the immigration officer will review the documentation and grant entry with a temporary stay recorded on Form I‑94.

Usually, admission into the country with a K‑3 visa is granted for a period of up to two years, meaning the I‑94 issued upon arrival will indicate this duration or a specific expiration date corresponding to this term. It is important to remember that this period is only the time authorized to remain legally in the United States while the adjustment of status process is underway.

Therefore, if it is necessary to stay beyond this period, it will be essential to file a formal request for extension or adjustment of status according to the applicable immigration rules. It is crucial to pay close attention to the expiration dates and strictly follow the terms authorized upon entry.

Always check the conditions recorded on your I‑94 form and stay updated regarding the requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, seek information from reliable sources and avoid falling into traps or offers that guarantee unexpected results, since proper compliance with immigration laws is fundamental to maintaining your legal status in the country.

Remember: knowing and following immigration rules is the best way to avoid future complications, and seeking specialized guidance-always through trustworthy sources-can be a good practice to resolve doubts and keep up with possible changes in regulations.

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

How long is the stay granted at the border?

The K-3 visa allows a temporary stay of up to two years in the U.S. while the adjustment of status is in progress. Attention to the I-94 dates and USCIS rules is essential.

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