When planning to bring your spouse or fiancé(e) to the United States, one of the most important considerations is understanding the processing times and how long the immigration procedure will take. Whether you’re applying for a spousal visa, a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, or adjusting your status from within the U.S., knowing the expected timelines helps you plan ahead and reduce uncertainty.

Spousal Visas (CR1/IR1):
If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the spousal visa is the most direct route to join your spouse in the U.S. Processing times for spousal visas typically range from 15 to 17 months, depending on the service center handling your case. This includes the petitioning stage, consular processing, and the interview. After approval, your spouse will receive a green card, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas:
For couples who are engaged but not yet married, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa offers a pathway for your fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. so that you can marry within 90 days of their arrival. The processing time for a K-1 visa typically takes 8 to 12 months. This includes filing the initial petition, undergoing the visa interview, and then traveling to the U.S. After marriage, your spousewill need to adjust their status to a permanent resident (green card holder), which can take additional months to process.

Adjustment of Status (AOS):
If you’re already in the U.S. on a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa, and have married your U.S. Citizen petitioner, you may apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a lawful permanent resident. The AOS process generally takes anywhere from 11months to well over 15, depending on the specific circumstances and service center. This includes filing the necessary forms, attending biometrics appointments, and completing an interview.