How Long Does It Take to Get a Spouse Visa in the US?

How Long Does It Take to Get a Spouse Visa in the US?
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Thinking about when will your decision for the Spouse Visa will be declared? Know about the processing times and most frequently asked questions.

How long would it take to bring my partner to the United States? It seems to be usually the primary concern of American citizens or legal permanent residents who marry foreign nationals.

You can apply for your spouse’s immigration to the United States as a legal citizen. However, while your partner may be qualified for a green card through you, it may take some time until your close relative is granted a visa for permanent residence in the United States.

Lawful Permanent Residents are also known as “green card holders,” and both are often used interchangeably.


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Processing Time for a US Spouse Visa

For a spouse visa, the average waiting period ranges from three to five months. Depending on their priority date, if you are a legal resident, you may have to wait until your spouse’s visa becomes available. Depending on the spouse’s nation of origin, the duration varies, although it is typically around 24 months.

How to Apply for a US Spouse Visa in the US vs. Abroad

1. When an Applicant is present in the USA

Two crucial actions must be taken while applying for a visa for permanent residency in the US.

  1. You can begin the procedure if your spouse is already in the country by submitting an I-130 visa application. Your partner must wait until the immigrant visa category’s priority date becomes valid. Fill out all information in your application with sufficient information and on the priority date.
  2. The applicant’s spouse must submit a Request to Obtain Permanent Residence for the adjustment of status once the priority date becomes relevant.

When an Applicant is Outside the United States 

After your I-130 visa is accepted, your spouse can apply to become a permanent resident through consulate processing. First, your application for an alien relative will get approved then you will be granted a visa from outside the United States. 

When it is impossible to alter status within the United States, eligible relatives residing overseas may also be able to obtain their visa through consular processing.

Top Questions Regarding Processing Times for Spouse Visas

Can my spouse visit the US while my I-130 visa is processing?

After you complete Form I-130, if you’re a US citizen, your spouse may apply for a non-immigrant K-3 visa. The K-3 visa will enable travel to, residence in, and employment in the United States while the application petition is being processed.

Is the spouse visa quicker than the fiancé visa?

If getting to the United States as quickly as possible is your main goal, the fiancé(e) visa is probably the quickest option. Nevertheless, a marriage-based visa will be quicker if you want to get a green card as soon as possible.

How can I check the status of my spouse’s visa?

You can visit the USCIS website and check the case status. All you need is to enter is your receipt number. 

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