The length of time it takes for a green card holder to bring their spouse to the United States can vary based on the specific circumstances and backlog of applications, but typically it can take anywhere from several months to a few years.
For those who require further information
The timeline for a green card holder to bring their spouse to the United States can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the case, the backlog of applications at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the visa category under which the spouse is applying. While there is no fixed timeline, it typically takes several months to a few years.
The process usually involves the following steps:
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Filing the Petition: The first step is for the green card holder to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of their spouse. This establishes the relationship between the green card holder and their spouse. The processing time for this form can vary, but it is currently averaging around 9-15 months according to the USCIS.
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Visa Availability: The wait time for a visa to become available depends on the visa category. The spouse of a green card holder falls under the Family Preference Category, specifically F2A. The availability of visas in this category can be subject to a backlog, which affects the overall timeline. The U.S. Department of State provides a monthly visa bulletin that shows the current visa availability for each category.
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Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Once a visa becomes available, the spouse can proceed with either consular processing or adjustment of status. Consular processing involves the spouse attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, while adjustment of status allows the spouse to apply for a green card while already in the United States. The time frames for each method can vary, but consular processing generally takes longer due to additional administrative processes.
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Interview and Final Approval: Regardless of the chosen method, the spouse will need to attend an interview to determine their eligibility for a visa or green card. The interview is conducted by a USCIS officer who verifies the validity of the marriage and other relevant documents. If everything goes well, the spouse will receive either a visa or a green card.
It’s important to note that the processing times and wait periods can change based on various factors, including government policies and priorities. It is crucial for applicants to stay updated with the latest information from USCIS and the U.S. Department of State to ensure accurate timelines for their specific case.
Here’s an interesting quote from Emma Lazarus, an American poet known for her sonnet “The New Colossus,” which is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty:
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” – Emma Lazarus
While this quote highlights the broader aspect of immigration, it also showcases the openness of the United States to welcome families and loved ones.
Interesting facts about the green card process for spouses:
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The F2A category, which allows green card holders to sponsor their spouses, has a limited number of visas available per year. This quota sometimes leads to backlog and longer waiting periods.
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The USCIS provides estimated processing times on their website, giving applicants an idea of the timeline they can expect. However, these times can fluctuate depending on various factors.
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In recent years, USCIS has implemented various policies and changes to streamline and expedite the immigration process. This includes pilot programs and initiatives to reduce the backlog and speed up processing times.
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The processing times can also vary depending on the country from which the spouse is applying. USCIS has different service centers and consular offices worldwide, and the workload at each location can impact processing times.
To summarize the information:
The length of time it takes for a green card holder to bring their spouse to the United States can vary based on the specific circumstances and backlog of applications, but typically it can take anywhere from several months to a few years. The process involves filing a petition, waiting for visa availability, attending an interview, and obtaining final approval. It is essential for applicants to stay updated with the latest information from USCIS and the U.S. Department of State to ensure accurate timelines for their specific case. As Emma Lazarus eloquently stated, the United States has historically embraced immigrants and their families.
See further online responses
… their spouses to obtain a visa and join them in the U.S. The processing time for a spouse green card application can range from 24 to 32 months or longerstilt.comGreen Card Holder Spouse Visa Processing Time Guide – StiltProcessing an I-130 petition filed by a green card holder usually takes 6-24 months.J. Sparks Law PLLCHow Long Does It Take to Bring Spouse to the USA?It’s currently taking between 13 to 36.5 months for USCIS to process Form I-130 for U.S. citizenship petitioners and 16 to 38 months for permanent resident petitioners …Immigration Help5 days agoHow Long Does It Take USCIS To Process Marriage Green
The processing time for a spouse of a U.S. citizen’s Green Card application is about 12-18 months. The process generally takes longer for spouses of green card holders than for spouses of U.S. citizens. The processing time for a spouse green card application can range from 24 to 32 months or longer. Green card holders must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and demonstrate the validity of their marriage and their financial eligibility.
A spouse of a U.S. citizen’s Green Card processing time today averages about 12-18 months. This includes the total immigration process time, from the Form I-130 filing to the date when your spouse is in America and has their Green Card.
Depending on whether or not you apply from within the United States or abroad, you can expect to wait 18 months, not including possible delays. The process generally takes longer for spouses of green card holders — who must wait for a “visa number” before applying — than for spouses of U.S. citizens.
The processing time for a spouse green card application can range from 24 to 32 months or longer. Green card holders must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and demonstrate the validity of their marriage and their financial eligibility.
See a related video
In this video, the speaker discusses the process for a green card holder to sponsor their spouse. They explain that as soon as you are married, you can file for a green card, even if you are married to a green card holder. There are different options available, such as waivers or self-petitioning, and the entire process takes place in the United States. The timeline for obtaining a green card is approximately six to eight months for a work permit and travel authorization, and about two to two and a half years for the green card itself. The key is to have a genuine marriage and not have entered into it for immigration purposes. The specific method will depend on the individual’s unique situation.