Spouse visa how long

The process is similar to that of obtaining a visa. You will have to fill out an I form , but you will also have to fill out form I which simply adjusts the status from a visa application to that of a permanent residence.

The length of time it takes to obtain a green card for your spouse depends on your citizenship status as well as where you are currently living. Generally speaking, the following time tables apply:. Due to the lengthy wait times that are seen with obtaining a green card for a spouse, it is extremely important for applicants to begin the application as soon as possible. In so doing, the sooner an application is started the sooner an applicant may receive a green card.

Family Preference Immigrants The family preference immigrants category is for those in your family who are not considered immediate relatives. USCIS designates non-immediate relatives in the following four categories: First preference F1 — Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 years of age and older, of U.

Financial Responsibility Before starting the application process for your spouse and or family members, it is highly recommended that you get your finances in order. While We Wait on Visa Decision? Green Card Application for Spouse For those who do not wish to obtain a visa, both citizens and permanent residents can apply for their spouses to obtain green cards.

Generally speaking, the following time tables apply: For US citizens who reside in the US — 10 to 13 months For US citizens who live abroad — 11 to 17 months For green card holders who live in the US — 29 to 38 months For green card holders who live abroad — 23 to 32 months Due to the lengthy wait times that are seen with obtaining a green card for a spouse, it is extremely important for applicants to begin the application as soon as possible.

Call our Immigration team at to discuss your case today. The entire package is sent to a lockbox receiving facility via U. This page shows you where to send your package, based on your location. Processing time for the I depends on whether the petitioner is a United States citizen or a permanent resident. Because there are no limits on visa numbers for immediate relatives of U. However, some petitions may be processed in as little as two months. If there is no backlog at USCIS, applications where the petitioner is a legal permanent resident can be completed within the same time period.

The typical time for I processing for legal residents is therefore months. It only determines when the I processing occurs during that wait. If you are a U. Visa processing usually takes around months. If you are a permanent resident, you must wait for a visa to become available for your spouse, based on their priority date. Once the priority date is current, you can apply for the visa through the VSC, and it will take months to process. After the VSC approves the visa, the file is forwarded to embassy or consulate in the country where your spouse currently lives.

Processing there usually takes months, then your spouse will be contacted for an appointment to come into the embassy or consulate for their interview. When the interview is successfully completed, an immigrant visa is issued, valid for 6 months. The spouse must arrive at a United States port of entry and present their documents within that time period. Once your spouse has successfully arrived in the United States, they will receive their permanent residency card green card by mail at their U.

This time is from the date of the I filing to the date when the spouse is in the United States and has their green card. Remember that these are estimates only, and waiting periods can vary widely depending on circumstances in your individual case, as well as changes in policies and procedures in the overall immigration process. Keep in mind that any irregularities in your case can cause long delays and make your case more complicated. These can include any incorrect or missing information in any of the forms you need to file, or any previous immigration issues involving you or your spouse.

Embarking on your new life with your new spouse should be a hopeful and happy time. Make sure the process of bringing your spouse to the United States goes as quickly and smoothly as possible by working with an expert immigration lawyer.

Make an appointment for a consultation with Manji Law today! Get trusted advice on Georgia Immigration. Navigating the Atlanta GA Court can be very difficult as there are many agencies involved and lots of moving parts.

Your all-in-one guide to the Atlanta Immigration Court. The process, which begins with form I, can be complicated. This page will guide you through the basics of an Adjustment Of Status and let you know what to expect.

However, before you can begin working in the U. Read on to find out how you can use Form I to apply for the right to work in the United States. Email: info manjilaw. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Select U. Embassy or Consulate to find contact information. You are about to leave travel. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel. Cancel GO. Skip to main content. Gov Travel. Passports International Travel U. Stay Connected. Law Enforcement. Y Z All. Immigrant Visa for a Spouse of a U. Citizen IR1 or CR1.

What Is a "Spouse"? Required for the U. How Long Does It Take? A spouse is a legally wedded husband or wife. Merely living together does not qualify a marriage for immigration. Common-law spouses may qualify as spouses for immigration purposes depending on the laws of the country where the common-law marriage occurs. In cases of polygamy, only the first spouse may qualify as a spouse for immigration. Is Residence in the U.

Citizen: Upgrading a Petition If you filed a petition for your spouse when you were a lawful permanent resident LPR , and you are now a U. You should send: A copy of the biodata page of your U. Important Notice: If you are now a U. Processing an immigrant visa application, Form DS see Note below Medical examination and required vaccinations costs vary Other costs may include: translations; photocopying charges; fees for obtaining the documents you need for the immigrant visa application such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.

Costs vary from country to country and case to case. Required Documentation In general, the following documents are required: Passport s valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States, unless longer validity is specifically requested by the U. Please review the instructions for guidance.

Preview a sample DS 6. Two 2 2x2 photographs. See the required photo format explained in Photograph Requirements.

Civil Documents for the applicant. See Documents the Applicant Must Submit for more specific information about documentation requirements, including information on which documents may need to be translated. The consular officer may ask for more information during your visa interview.

Bring your original civil documents or certified copies such as birth and marriage certificates, as well as legible photocopies all original civil documents, and any required translations to your immigrant visa interview. Completed Medical Examination Forms — These are provided by the panel physician after you have completed your medical examination and vaccinations see below. Rights and Protections - Pamphlet You should read the Rights and Protections pamphlet before your visa interview to learn about your rights in the United States relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and protection available to you.

Medical Examination and Vaccinations. Important Notice: In preparing for your interview, you will need to schedule and complete your medical examination and any required vaccinations before your visa interview.