If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder) and want to bring your foreign spouse to the United States, there’s a clear legal process for that — but it can be complex and time-consuming if not done correctly.
This article explains the step-by-step legal procedure to bring your spouse to the U.S., whether you’re living abroad or already in America. It includes visa types, eligibility, timelines, costs, and key documents.
👨👩👧 Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse?
You can apply to bring your spouse to the U.S. if you are:
- ✅ A U.S. Citizen (faster processing)
- ✅ A Green Card holder (Lawful Permanent Resident)
📌 Note: Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens can apply via the K-1 visa, but this article focuses on spouses (already married).
🛂 What Visa is Used for a Spouse?
| Sponsor Status | Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen | IR1 / CR1 Visa | 10–16 months |
| Green Card Holder | F2A (Family-based category) | 20–30 months |
- CR1 (Conditional Resident Visa): For marriages under 2 years
- IR1 (Immediate Relative Visa): For marriages over 2 years
📋 Step-by-Step Process to Bring Your Spouse to the U.S.
🔹 Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
You (the petitioner) must file Form I-130 with USCIS.
- Include proof of:
- U.S. citizenship or Green Card
- Valid marriage certificate
- Joint photos, chats, travel records (for proof of genuine relationship)
- Filing fee: $535
- Processing time: 10–15 months
🔹 Step 2: USCIS Approves the I-130
Once approved:
- The petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC)
- You’ll get a case number and instructions to proceed
🔹 Step 3: Pay Visa Fees & Submit Documents to NVC
- Pay Immigrant Visa Fee: $325
- Pay Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
- Submit:
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Passport bio page of the spouse
- Police certificates
- Medical exam results
- Marriage and birth certificates
🔹 Step 4: Interview at U.S. Embassy (in Spouse’s Country)
- The foreign spouse will attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan (Islamabad or Karachi)
- Bring originals and copies of all documents
- Interview will focus on verifying:
- Genuine relationship
- Immigration history
- Background clearance
💡 Tip: Practice interview questions and bring all supporting evidence.
🔹 Step 5: Visa Approval & U.S. Entry
- Once approved, the spouse receives an immigrant visa
- Must travel to the U.S. within 6 months
- Green Card arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks after arrival
🟢 If the marriage is less than 2 years old, the spouse receives a 2-year conditional Green Card
🧾 Timeline Summary (CR1 Visa – For U.S. Citizens)
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| I-130 Filing | 10–15 months |
| NVC Processing | 1–3 months |
| Interview Wait Time | 1–2 months |
| Green Card Delivery | ~30 days after arrival |
Total: ~12–18 months
💰 Total Cost Breakdown
| Fee | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| I-130 Filing Fee | $535 |
| NVC Visa Application | $325 |
| Affidavit of Support (I-864) | $120 |
| Medical Exam (local) | ~$150–$300 |
| Police Clearance | Varies |
| Green Card Fee (Post-entry) | $220 |
| Total Estimated | $1,200–$1,500 (excluding lawyer fees) |
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Delay the Process
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Poor evidence of real relationship
- Errors in forms (wrong names, dates)
- Insufficient income on Affidavit of Support
- Missing embassy interview documents
✅ Pro Tip: Create a document checklist and review USCIS instructions carefully.
🔄 What If You’re Already in the U.S.?
If your spouse is already in the U.S. on a valid visa (e.g., student or visitor), you may be able to adjust their status using Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), skipping the embassy interview — but only if you are a U.S. citizen.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Bringing your spouse to the United States is a life-changing process — but it requires legal accuracy, patience, and preparation. Whether you’re a citizen or Green Card holder, following the correct steps can avoid delays and visa refusals.
For best results:
- Organize all documents
- Keep all proof of relationship
- Track each stage carefully
- Be honest and consistent