K4 Visa
(Non-immigrant visa for the child of a K-3 spouse visa holder)

This section describes all about K4 Visa - a U.S. visa issued to the children of holders of K-3 spouse visas

Definition of K4 Visa:

K4 visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits the children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of a K-3 spouse visa holder to enter the U.S. and await the availability of an immigrant visa. K4 visa is a derivative of K3 visa. It is valid for two years with multiple entries or until the age of 21.

On K4 visa, you are permitted to extend the stay by filing the Form I-539 (Application for Visa Extension or Change of Status). Extension will be granted in two year intervals. The request for extension should be submitted 120 days prior to the expiration of your authorized stay.

In order to qualify for

• you must be less than 21 years old;
• you must be an unmarried child of a K-3 visa holder;
• you must be seeking to immigrate to the U.S.

Benefits of K-4 child visa:

On K4 visa,

• you are permitted to stay in the U.S.;
• you may study in the united States while waiting for the issuance of an immigrant visa;
• you are permitted to travel outside the United States using your unexpired K-4 nonimmigrant visa;
• you may apply for employment authorization by filing the Application for Employment Authorization; and
• you may apply for adjustment of status at any time following the approval of your petition for alien relative.

Limitations of K-4 dependent visa:

On K-4 dependent visa,

• you are not allowed to change to any other non-immigrant status; and
• you are not permitted to enter into the United States if you have been temporarily barred for any violation of the U.S. immigration laws.

K-4 Visa Process:

The first step to qualify for K-4 non-immigrant visa is to file a petition on behalf of the child with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) office. If the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the marriage took place. In order to qualify for K-4 visa, the K-4 visa applicant must appear for a formal visa interview. If found eligible, the applicant will be permitted to the stay in the United States for a period of 2 years while waiting for the issuance of an immigrant visa. The approved K4 status will be terminated, if the K-4 visa holder gets married or turns 21.

Supporting documents for applying for a K-4 nonimmigrant visa:

While filing the non-immigrant visa application, you should submit the following documents-

• two copies of the Form DS-156 application form;
• a valid passport of the principal K-3 and K-4 visa applicant;
• applicant's original birth certificate;
• two passport sized recent color photograph;
• evidence of relationship such as letters, photographs which demonstrates that you have a legitimate relationship with the person who has petitioned for you;
• evidence of economic support;
• marriage certificate of the principal K-3 applicant;
• police certificates from every place the applicant has lived for more than six months after the age of 16; and
• bank draft for visa fee.