When you’re seeking to bring your spouse to live with you in the U.S., understanding the processing time for a U.S. spouse visa is a crucial step in planning your future together.
In this article you’ll learn what typical timelines you can expect, what factors affect the timeline, how to check your case status and what you can do to avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is a U.S. Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa allows the foreign-married spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to live in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). If you’re a U.S. citizen filing for your spouse abroad you’ll typically use Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), then your spouse will go through consular processing.
If your spouse is already legally in the U.S., you may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) alongside or after the I-130. The process differs somewhat for spouses of LPRs because visa availability is limited and priority dates apply.
Current Average Processing Times
Here’s a breakdown of what recent data indicates for spouse visa processing in the U.S.:
- For a U.S. citizen filing for a spouse abroad (consular processing): Many sources report total timelines of about 15-24 months on average. One law-firm estimate places I-130 approval at 9-14 months, and then NVC/consular steps add several more months.
- For a U.S. citizen filing for a spouse already in the U.S. (adjustment of status): Estimates show 12-20 months as a typical timeframe, depending on case specifics and local USCIS office workload.
- For a lawful permanent resident filing for a spouse abroad: Because visa availability matters, total time often runs 18-36+ months, and in some cases even longer depending on country of origin and backlog.
- Median wait times for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, children of U.S. citizens) in recent years have been around 11.8 months for the part of the process handled by USCIS for immediate relative categories — though this does not reflect the full consular or NVC processing time.
- The “I-130 only” stage (for U.S. citizens) appears to be averaging 8-13 months in many service centers as shown in recent tracking.
Why You See Wide Variation in Timelines
Several variables influence how long your spouse visa will take. Here are the key factors:
- Which route you use
If your spouse is abroad (consular processing) you will need I-130 approval, then processing at the National Visa Center (NVC), then interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate, then travel. If your spouse is in the U.S., adjustment of status may skip the consular stage and be faster. Spouses of LPRs must often wait for a visa number under the family preference category, which adds extra months or years. - Service centre and country of origin
USCIS processing times vary by service centre; consular workloads vary by embassy/consulate and by country. Applicants from countries with high demand may face longer delays. - Completeness and accuracy of your application
If you file with missing documents, insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage, or outdated forms, you may trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE). Even a simple mistake can add 30-90 days or more. - System backlog and staffing
The immigration system is currently under heavy demand. For example, USCIS acknowledged that many case types are still moving slowly in 2025, and some applications even take years. Backlogs can arise at multiple stages (USCIS, NVC, embassy). - Interview scheduling and medical/administrative clearance
After approval of the petition, the consular interview stage depends on available appointment slots. Some cases may require additional administrative processing after the interview, delaying the visa issuance.
Step-By-Step Timeline (Typical for U.S. Citizen Spouse Abroad)
Here is a practical breakdown of what you might expect when you are a U.S. citizen filing for your spouse who is outside the U.S.:
- Step 1: File Form I-130 and receive Notice of Action (NOA-1) from USCIS.
- Step 2: Wait for USCIS to adjudicate I-130. This may take 9-14 months on average (2025 data) for spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Step 3: After approval, your case moves to NVC. The NVC collects fees, civil documents, and the Affidavit of Support. This stage might take 2-4 months or more depending on efficiency.
- Step 4: Once NVC determines the case complete and an immigrant visa number is available (immediate relative spouses have visa immediately available), the case is sent to the U.S. embassy/consulate in your spouse’s home country. Your spouse then submits DS-260, schedules a medical, and prepare for the interview. Scheduling and waiting could add 1-3 months.
- Step 5: Attend the interview. If approved and no administrative processing needed, visa is issued within days. Your spouse travels to the U.S. Upon arrival they become a lawful permanent resident; the actual green card arrives in the mail within 2-6 weeks.
- Total typical timeline: 15-24 months from initial filing to entry in the U.S.
Step-By-Step Timeline (Spouse Already in the U.S.)
If your spouse is already in the U.S. on a valid visa or status and you file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) alongside I-130 (or after it), the route can be faster:
- File I-130 and I-485 concurrently (or I-485 after I-130 approval).
- Attend the biometrics appointment (weeks after filing).
- Attend the interview at the local USCIS field office.
- Wait for decision and green card issuance.
- Typical timeline: 12-20 months, though local conditions may vary.
What To Do to Minimize Delays
Since you want the process to move as smoothly as possible, here are practical actions you can take:
- Submit a fully completed I-130 petition with all required documentation of your marriage: marriage certificate, joint assets or lease, travel photos together, communications, shared financial accounts.
- Make sure your Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is accurately filled and supports the financial requirement (125% of federal poverty guideline for your household).
- Promptly respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) – delays often occur because couples ignore or fail to respond in time.
- Ensure translations of foreign language documents are certified and clear.
- Before paying fees, check the correct embassy/consulate and its local instructions.
- Use the USCIS online “Check Case Processing Times” tool for your service centre and form category so you understand where your case stands.
- Consider consulting an experienced immigration attorney if your case involves complicating factors (prior immigration violations, large age difference in the marriage, unusual employment arrangements, etc.).
Key Recent Statistics You Should Know
- Median USCIS processing time for petitions filed by U.S. citizens for immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) recently stood at around 11.8 months for the petition stage alone.
- “I-130 only” petition timeframe estimates show 8-13 months for immigrant petitions filed by U.S. citizens for spouses.
- Overall spouse visa path (for U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse abroad) commonly runs 15-24 months; for spouses of LPRs it often runs 18-36+ months or more.
- Recent commentary from immigration-law resources in 2025 emphasizes that system backlogs remain significant and timeline estimates may swell beyond published averages.
When Delays Happen: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even a well-prepared application can be delayed. Here are some frequent culprits:
- Incomplete documentation of the marriage: If you only submit a marriage certificate but no evidence of your shared life (photos, joint bank accounts, shared lease, travel together) you may trigger scrutiny or an RFE.
- Mistakes on forms: Incorrect addresses, inconsistent names, missing signatures all cause delays.
- Missing financial support information: If your I-864 doesn’t meet the income requirement, the Processing Center may ask for more records or a joint sponsor, delaying your case.
- Country-specific consular delays: Some embassies have long appointment backlogs. Administrative processing after the interview may add extra weeks or months.
- Not tracking the case: Use your receipt number to monitor your case status online and set alerts. If you’ve been waiting beyond the published average, consider making an inquiry.
What to Check Right Now
- Use the USCIS “Check Case Processing Times” tool: Select Form I-130, “Immediate Relative (spouse of U.S. citizen)” and your service centre to view current processing benchmarks.
- For NVC timing, review the U.S. Department of State’s “NVC Timeframes” page for estimated wait times in document review.
- For the consular interview stage, check the “Global Visa Wait Times” chart which provides median wait periods at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Make sure your case is moving: If you filed months ago and have not seen updates or scheduling, you may request a case status inquiry via USCIS or the NVC.
Final Thoughts
If you are applying for a U.S. spouse visa, you need patience, careful preparation and attention to detail. While average timelines currently suggest 12-24 months (or more in some categories), you increase your chances of a smoother process by submitting a complete application, preparing strong evidence of your relationship and staying on top of your case status.
Delays often stem not from the system alone but from improper or incomplete application materials. Use the tools available, monitor milestones, respond quickly to any governmental requests and consider legal guidance if your case has complicating factors. The reward — starting your spouse’s lawful U.S. residence and building your life together — makes the effort worthwhile.