Many romantic or marital relationships that start later in life involve people who already have children. People have to accept the children of their fiancés or spouses if they want to create a shared family. Becoming a stepparent is often a stressful process, as is starting a blended family when both parents have children from prior relationships.
If the new spouses also live in different countries, the situation may become infinitely more complex. Perhaps the United States citizen fell in love with someone while serving in the military or traveling for work. Maybe they developed a relationship online or belong to a culture in which arranged marriages are somewhat common.
A citizen hoping to bring their foreign national spouse to the United States has to apply for a K-3 visa. Their spouse can enter the country and may qualify for a green card. If the foreign national spouse has children, can their children travel with them?
There are subordinate visas for children
Family-based immigration is incredibly common. People enter the United States to reunite with spouses, parents and other loved ones. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can grant a K-3 visa to a foreign national spouse who qualifies. They can legally enter and live in the United States. They can also adjust their status to obtain a green card.
Provided that the citizen spouse applying on behalf of the foreign national spouse follows the right procedure, the children of the foreign spouse may be eligible for visas as well. The inclusion of the children’s names on the parent’s visa application and the submission of appropriate fees and paperwork for subordinate K-4 visas are necessary.
Like the foreign national spouse, the children must submit medical records and undergo background checks as part of the visa acquisition process. It is very easy for those who are unfamiliar with USCIS paperwork and visa requirements to make mistakes that can complicate the process of securing K-3 and K-4 visas.
Acquiring appropriate support when pursuing visas for spouses and children can help citizens streamline the process. With the right insight and support, citizens can generally bring their spouses and stepchildren to live with them in the United States.