How Long Will It Take to Bring a Spouse to the US?
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Explore the process and timeline for bringing a spouse to the U.S. with The Law Office of Tatiane M. Silva, P.A. Learn about the key steps, requirements, and how we can assist you.
Bringing Your Spouse to the U.S.: 2025 Spousal Visa Processing Times Update
If you are a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder married to a foreign national living abroad, your spouse may be eligible for a spouse visa, which can lead to permanent residency (a Green Card). As the sponsoring spouse, you will need to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Many clients ask: “How long does it take to bring my spouse to the U.S.?”
The answer depends on your immigration status, the service center processing your petition, and the current backlog at that center. Submitting a complete and accurate petition can prevent unnecessary delays — and working with an experienced immigration lawyer is the best way to ensure your case moves efficiently through USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC).
At The Law Office of Tatiane M. Silva, P.A., we recognize the importance of family unity. Our goal is to help you navigate the legal process and reunite with your spouse as soon as possible.
How to Bring Your Spouse to the U.S.: The Types of Visas You May Need
There are different types of visas designed to reunite U.S. citizens and Green Card holders with their foreign spouses. They include the following:
IR1/CR1 Immigrant Visas
These immigrant visas are specifically designed for the foreign spouses of U.S. citizens. IR1 and CR1 visa holders belong to a special class of immigrants called “immediate relatives” (of U.S. citizens).
Visas in this class are always available without any restrictions, which means applicants in this category will experience shorter wait times than those in other visa categories with availability restrictions.
However, there’s a crucial difference between both types of visas. The IR1 visa applies to the foreign spouses of U.S. citizens who live abroad and have been married to their U.S. citizen spouse for at least two years. In contrast, the CR1 visa is issued to the spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years.
CR1 visa holders are typically assigned conditional permanent resident status and issued a conditional Green Card that is valid for only two years. On the other hand, IR1 visa holders are assigned lawful permanent resident status without any conditions once they are admitted into the U.S. Their Green Cards are renewable, and they may be eligible for naturalization in three years instead of the regular five.
The (F2A) Family Preference Visa
This immigrant visa class applies to the foreign spouses of lawful permanent residents. Because these visas are not always available, the application process typically takes longer than the process for IR1 and CR1 visas.
As a lawful permanent resident looking to bring your spouse to the U.S., it is best to begin the immigration process as soon as possible so you don’t spend too much time apart.
2025 Spousal Visa Comparison Table
|
Visa Type |
Eligible Sponsor |
Marriage Duration |
Visa Category |
2025 Average USCIS Processing Time (80% of Cases) |
Green Card Type |
|
IR1 Visa |
U.S. Citizen |
2 years or more |
Immediate Relative |
17–50 months (depending on service center) |
Permanent (no conditions) |
|
CR1 Visa |
U.S. Citizen |
Less than 2 years |
Conditional Resident |
17–50 months (depending on service center) |
Conditional (2-year Green Card) |
|
F2A Visa |
Lawful Permanent Resident |
Any duration |
Family Preference |
52.5–104 months (depending on service center) |
Permanent (when visa number becomes available) |
Bringing Your Spouse to the U.S.: A Summary of the Application Process
The spouse visa process involves several coordinated steps between the sponsor and the foreign spouse.
Step 1: File Form I-130
The process begins when the U.S. citizen or Green Card holder files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. You’ll need to submit:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or Green Card
- Certified marriage certificate
- Evidence proving a bona fide marriage (photos, joint financial records, etc.)
If your spouse lives abroad, they will complete consular processing after approval.
Step 2: (Optional) Apply for a K-3 Nonimmigrant Visa
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can begin the K3 visa process at this point if you wish to reduce the time spent apart from your spouse.
The K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to travel to the U.S. to be with their spouse while waiting for approval of the immigrant petition. It is different from the K1 visa, which is meant for the foreign fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen.
Like the K1 visa, the K3 visa does not confer Green Card status on its holders.
Step 3: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once USCIS approves the I-130, your case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will collect civil documents, the DS-260 immigrant visa form, and associated fees before forwarding the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Step 4: Embassy or Consulate Interview
Your spouse will attend an interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. If the officer determines the marriage is genuine and eligibility requirements are met, the spouse visa will be issued.
Step 5: Entry to the U.S. and Green Card Delivery
Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your spouse’s documents before admission. USCIS will mail the Green Card shortly after arrival.
How Long Will the Spousal Visa Application Process Take?
Every spousal visa application is unique, making it difficult to estimate how long the process will take. However, USCIS has a handy digital tool to help immigration applicants estimate their application processing times based on past records.
Using this tool, we can determine that most I-130 petitions filed by U.S. citizens for their spouses take a minimum of 14 months to process, depending on whether they are processed at a USCIS field office or service center.
For I-130 applications filed by lawful permanent residents for their spouses, we can see that the minimum average processing time across USCIS centers and field offices to be 25 months.
Contact The Law Office of Tatiane M. Silva, P.A., for Help With the Spousal Immigration Process
The journey to bringing your spouse to the U.S. requires a deep knowledge of immigration laws and the workings of the U.S. immigration system. Would it not be reassuring to have experienced hands guiding you through this intricate process?
That’s what we do at The Law Office of Tatiane M. Silva, P.A. Our goal is to help immigrants overcome the hurdles posed by the immigration system and reunite with their families as soon as possible.
Contact us today for personalized assistance with the spousal immigration process. Together, we can navigate the system to pursue a positive outcome for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Does It Take to Bring My Spouse to the US?
On average, U.S. citizen petitions (I-130) take 13–16 months, while Green Card holders’ petitions take 24–32 months, plus consular processing time.
What’s the Difference Between IR1 and CR1 Visas?
The IR1 is for marriages over two years and grants unconditional permanent residence. The CR1 is for marriages under two years and grants conditional residence.
Can My Spouse Come to the U.S. While Waiting for the Immigrant Visa?
Yes, a K-3 visa may allow temporary entry while waiting for I-130 approval (U.S. citizens only).
Is Legal Representation Required?
While not mandatory, working with an immigration attorney can prevent costly delays and denials by ensuring full compliance with USCIS and NVC requirements.
How Can I Check the Status of My Case?
You can track your petition using the USCIS Case Status Online Tool or contact our office for guidance.
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