How Long Does it Take to Get a U.S. Spouse Visa? Processing Times and Tips

Learn about the typical processing times for U.S. spouse visas, what factors expedite the process, and tips to ensure timely approval. Also, discover various reason that cause delays and the timelines for a U.S. spouse visa.

The application process for a U.S. spouse visa is a momentous step for the couple wishing to be together in the U.S. But this process is usually surrounded with a lot of questions like how long it takes to process the visa. Familiarizing oneself with the relevant body and doing proper planning can go a long way. This article will delve into all U.S. spouse visa processing times and ways to reach the intended timeline quicker.

Types of U.S. Spouse Visas

The two most common spouse visas are:

CR1 Visa (Conditional Resident Visa): For couples married for fewer than two years. The partner comes in as a conditional resident.
IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative Visa): For couples married for more than two years. The partner comes in as a permanent resident.

Both categories of spouse visa allow the spouse to come in as a resident in the US. Any variation of this processing may be brought about by some factors.

How Long Does a U.S. Spouse Visa Take?

The processing time taken for spouse visas in the United States is sometimes broad. The waiting period for a CR1 or IR1 Visa is on average 12 to 18 months. Here’s how these events unfold and how much time they take:

Filing the I-130 Petition (4-12 months)

The first task is to make the U.S. citizen spouse sponsor file I-130 petition with USCIS. USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This petition is the formal proof for the U.S. citizen in regard to her foreign spouse.

On average, processing the I-130 petition takes about 4 to 12 months. However, factors like case complexity and USCIS office backlog can cause delays. Discover the Delays and timelines for U.S. spouse visas and tips to expedite U.S. spouse visa processing by reading this article.

National Visa Center (NVC) Processing (2-4 months)

Once the I-130 is approved, the application goes forwarded to the administrative center for visa overseas which is referred to as NVC. This involves the preparation of the applicant for the interview. Usually, it takes two to four months. During that time, several forms need to be submitted. This includes Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application). The applicant and their petitioning spouse will also have to submit civil documents, financial data, and the payments for the visa.

U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview (1-3 months)

Once that’s accomplished, the NVC calls the applicant. After this, the NVC carries out the steps and forwards the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the nation of the foreign spouse. The period of time needed for the scheduling of an interview may be from one month to three months. This is subject to the number of cases at the consulate at that particular time and its availability.

The foreign spouse is required to show proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or medical examination report. Also, documents related to matrimonial relationship are required during the interview. Continue reading this article to learn about Delays and timelines for U.S. spouse visas and tips to expedite U.S. spouse visa processing.

Visa Approval and Issuance (2-3 weeks)

Once the interview goes well and is completed in just a few weeks, the visa is often issued in a few weeks as well. The foreign national spouse gets back the passport and the visa inside, colored green and stamped. They are free to go to America now, and based on the type of visa they possess, either a CR1 or an IR1, they will be temporary or permanent residents.

U.S. Entry and Green Card Arrival (1-3 months)

On reaching America, the spouse will find a plus in being given a temporary stamp in their passports. It takes about 1-3 months to get the physical green card, which is granted post immigration.

Delays and Timelines for U.S. Spouse Visas

There are many factors that may cause delays in processing a U.S. spouse visa application. Some of them are presented below:

Insufficient documentation: Processing may delay due to the absence of required documents or incorrect documents provided.
Queuing: High volumes of applications can cause processing delays.
Request for Evidence (RFE): By the nature of American Citizenship and Immigration Services, the applicant can be informed if there is a requirement for information.
Additional security checks: For some applicants, extra security checks may be applied during processing and can take longer than expected “normal” processing.
Availability of consulate interviews: Consulate interview wait times can vary greatly depending on the location.

To prevent the above mentioned laws or regulations from being violated, file all forms/documents that have been completed on time and also include the completed documents in the case. Also, learn about Delays and timelines for U.S. spouse visas and tips to expedite U.S. spouse visa processing by reading this article.

Tips to Expedite U.S. Spouse Visa Processing

There is no way to guarantee faster processing. However, there are steps you can take to minimize delays The following tips will help speed up the U.S. spouse visa application process.

File Early and Accurately

Make an effort to initiate the procedure at the earliest opportunity as Please check again form, In case you made any mistakes or omitted something: It will result in delays or indecisiveness in making a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Submit a Complete Documentation Package

Do not forget to send all the documentation necessary for the decision to be made together with the package of documents. Failing to do so can create a wait for a Request for Evidence which will result in a delay. Always add sponsoring documents, documents that proves marriage and proves relationship.

Check USCIS Processing Times

As you wait for a decision on your case, check the USCIS processing times of the service center assigned to your case. It can prove useful for knowing the average processing time and therefore avoid any surprises when delays start coming.

You can check the latest processing times on the official USCIS website.

Use Premium Processing for I-130 (if applicable)

Even though, premium processing is not available for every code in the visa series, some petitions do qualify to be expedited. For example, contrary to what some people believe, USCIS offers premium processing on employment-based visas which guarantees a decision within 15 days. This, however, is not available on I-130 forms.

Follow Up with USCIS and NVC

If after the deadline you submitted the forms you warmly yet thoroughly inquire to USCIS or the NVC and still haven’t gotten any feedback, do this without delay. They say that it is most critical that you remain on top of your case to let it continue moving forward.

Consider Legal Assistance

In case your case is taking much longer than necessary or it is complicated, it is a good idea to see an immigration lawyer. They are in a position of walking you around the process and fighting any legal battles that may bend on your side. Also, providing the best possible tips on how not to fall in the many traps. Out there are reliable services or immigration lawyers such as Boundless that help apply for visas.

What to Expect After Receiving the Visa

Only after the approval of the U.S spouse visa can the foreign spouse travel to the United States. Thereafter, you can expect to receive the green card at the U.S address given by you in a few months. For individuals who were only issued a CR1 visa, they will have to apply for Form I-751 two years after entering the country.

You will forfeit your conditional residency status if you do not make such effort. On the other hand, holders of the IR1 visa are immediately granted conditional residency. This step won’t have to be completed by them.

Conclusion

The U.S. spouse visa processing times can be unpredictable. Knowing what to expect helps relieve some of the stress. It would take an individual on average time of one year for them to finish the entire process. However, issues like country of residence and the specific course of each case will determine how long it takes. By using the strategies discussed in this article, there is a higher probability of one getting the spouse visa without any further bumps.

Additional advice is available if you need it, such as immigration legal help. They will guide you at every stage of the process. With careful planning and diligence, you will soon have a spouse visa. You will be with your partner in the United States in no time.

If you want more information or help regarding your spouse visa application, you can refer to the reputable immigration service providers such as Boundless or Immigration Help.