To be a U.S. citizen marrying a citizen of another country (a foreign national) it can be a very exciting, yet complicated time when trying to bring that person to the United States. If the procedures are not followed correctly, you may be separated from your spouse for months, and possibly years. In general, it can take approximately six to twelve months for a foreign national to receive United States permanent residence (green card).

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has admitted to an enormous backlog of I-130 Petitions for Alien Relatives. Therefore, if a U.S. citizen filed a petition for his spouse who is living outside the United States, the couple and their family can be separated for almost two years while waiting for the I-130 to be adjudicated. Thus, the "LIFE Act" was passed by Congress and created a K-3 Visa for spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting adjudication of an I-130. A K-3 Visa was designed to reunite families who have been separated because of the backlog of cases within the USCIS.

Bringing a foreign national spouse on a K-3 Visa to the United States is a three step process. Step I and II are filed in the United States, and Step III will be filed in the U.S. Consul in the foreign national's home country. Step I will be filed by the U.S. citizen at a Regional USCIS Service Center. If the U.S. citizen is living in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Nebraska Service Center has jurisdiction over the case. Check the USCIS web site if you have questions where to file your application.