CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa Processing Timeline

Estimated based on customer experiences and government processing trends.

Step 1: USCIS Receipt Notice

 

📅 Timeframe: 1 – 4 weeks


✅ What Happens:

  • USCIS acknowledges receipt of your I-130 petition.

 

  • You receive a receipt number to track your case.

 

Step 2: USCIS Approval of I-130

 

📅Timeframe: 14–15 months (USCIS estimate as of May 2025)

 

✅ What Happens:

  • USCIS reviews your spouse visa petition.

 

  • Background checks and relationship verification take place.

 

  • Approval is issued, or USCIS may request additional evidence (RFE).

 

Step 3: Case Sent to NVC

 

📅 Timeframe: 1 – 3 weeks


✅ What Happens:

  • USCIS forwards the approved I-130 to the National Visa Center (NVC).

 

  • The NVC assigns a case number and prepares your petition for the embassy.

 

Step 4: NVC Processing & Embassy Transfer

 

📅 Timeframe: 3 – 6 months


✅ What Happens:

  • The petitioner submits the DS-260 form, financial documents, and civil documents to NVC.

 

  • NVC conducts a completeness review before forwarding the case to the U.S. Embassy.

 

  • Once complete, NVC schedules an interview at the appropriate U.S. consulate.

 

Step 5: Embassy Contact to Interview Date

 

📅 Timeframe: 1 – 2 months

 

✅ What Happens:

  • The U.S. embassy schedules a visa interview.

 

  • The beneficiary completes a medical exam and submits any additional documents.

 

Step 6: Interview & Visa Decision

 

📅 Timeframe: 1 – 6 weeks


✅ What Happens:

  • Your spouse attends the interview.

 

  • The consular officer reviews the case and either approves, denies, or requests further documents.

 

  • Upon approval, the CR-1/IR-1 visa is issued, and the passport is returned with the visa stamp.

Step 7: U.S. Entry & Green Card Processing

 

📅 Timeframe: 2 – 4 weeks after entry


✅ What Happens:

  • The spouse enters the U.S. with the CR-1 or IR-1 visa.

 

  • The Green Card is automatically processed and mailed within 2 – 4 weeks after arrival.

 

Total Estimated Time: ~14 to 24+ months

 

🚀 With Smart USA Visa, you can reduce delays by ensuring your petition is error-free and USCIS-compliant.

 

🌍 Need language support? Smart USA Visa offers a website translation tool to help you navigate the process in your preferred language.

 

📑 Free USCIS-Compliant Document Translation! Our certified document translation service ensures all required paperwork meets immigration standards, making your application smoother and stress-free.

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