Readers will recall that the new V visas give the spouse and unmarried children under 21, of permanent residents to live and work in the United States while waiting to adjust status to permanent resident. To qualify, the applicant must have been waiting for permanent residence three years and must be the beneficiary of a petition filed by December 21, 2000. The K visa allows the spouse and minor children of a U.S. citizen to come here and work will waiting for residence. The K visa applicant need not have been waiting any particular time and can apply regardless of when the petition was filed. The DOS says that in mid-February, some permanent residence applicants will receive information sheets about the new V visa.
Applicants can use the notice when applying for a V visa abroad.
Applicants already in the United States who want to change to V status here must wait for INS instructions due in early Spring. The telegram notes that consul must wait for INS processing guidelines before issuing K spouse visas. Both K and V visa applicants will require medical exams and criminal record investigations.