Applying for a K-4 “child of spouse” non-immigrant visa in California

Californians may sponsor their foreign spouse’s children to come to the U.S. on a K-4 visa. In order to qualify for a K-4 visa, the child must be (1) unmarried, (2) under 21, and (3) the child of a K-3 visa applicant.

In this article, our California immigration lawyers answer frequently-asked-questions about K-4 visas in California, including eligibility, application processes, time frames, and fees. Click on a topic to jump directly to that section:

• 1. Can my children get a K-4 visa in California?
• 2. How does my son or daughter apply for a K-4 visa?
• 3. How long does it take to get a K-4 visa?
• 4. What is the price of a K-4 visa?
• 5. Can K-4 visa-holders work or go to school in California?

For children of a foreign fiancé(e)s, see our article on applying for a K-2 visa in California.

1. Can my children get a K-4 visa in California?

The six eligibility requirements for K-4 visas are:

1. The child is younger than 21 years old;
2. The child is not married;
3. The child has no prior immigration violations;
4. The child has no previous immigration violations;
5. The child’s foreign parent is in the process of applying for a K-3 visa;
6. The child is intending to immigrate to the U.S; and
7. The visa sponsor (the child’s parent’s spouse) is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Note that children are disqualified from K-4 visas if their foreign parent was denied a K-3 visa.¹

2. How does my son or daughter apply for a K-4 visa?

First, the sponsor files Form I-130 and Form I-129f with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the USCIS approves the forms, the foreign spouse and child(ren) will receive visa application instructions.

K-4 visa applicants are usually required to submit to a medical exam and a consular interview. These interviews take place at a local U.S. embassy or consulate.

If the child receives a K-4 visa, he/she can travel to a U.S. port-of-entry. For example, LAX Airport is a port of entry for immigrants flying into Los Angeles.

The final hurdle is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stationed at the port of entry. These agents review the child’s documentation and determine whether to admit him/her into the U.S.²

3. How long does it take to get a K-4 visa?

The application time frame is about five (5) to eight (8) months. K-4 visas remain valid for two (2) years or until the child reaches 21, whichever occurs sooner.³

4. What is the price of a K-4 visa?

The K-2 visa fee is $535, plus any costs for a medical exam.⁴

5. Can K-4 visa-holders work or go to school in California?

Yes, K-4 visa holders may go to school and apply for a work permit.⁵

Call a California immigration attorney…

Contact us for help with your visa application.

Are you and your child(ren) seeking to join your spouse in the U.S.? Then contact our Los Angeles immigration lawyers for a free consultation on how we can help achieve your immigration goals.

Go to our California visa main page.

See our article on K-4 visas in Nevada.

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