How long does it take to bring your spouse to the U.S.? Application documents and fees

How long does it take to bring your spouse to the U.S.? Sponsoring your spouse to the U.S. is a fast track toward family reunification and starting a new chapter in this land of opportunity.

Join Thao & Co. as we guide you through all the essential details, from paperwork and procedures to timelines, so you can navigate the journey with confidence!

How long does it take to bring your spouse to the U.S.?

The processing time for spousal sponsorship to the U.S. typically ranges from 1 to 4 years, depending on the sponsorship category and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Which is the fastest category to sponsor a spouse to the US? The most common and fastest categories for sponsoring spouses to the U.S. include:

1. • CR1 Visa (Conditional Resident) – For spouses who have been married for less than 2 years: The average processing time is 12–18 months.
2. • IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative) – For spouses who have been married for more than 2 years: The average processing time is 12–18 months.
3. • F2A Visa – For spouses of permanent residents (Green Card holders): The processing time is 3.5–4 years.

For short-term family visits, consider applying for a U.S. tourist visa.

Latest requirements for bringing your spouse to the U.S.

To successfully sponsor a spouse to the U.S., both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

For the sponsor

1. ✅ Must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident.
2. ✅ At least 18 years of age
3. ✅ Legally married with no polyamorous relationships
4. ✅ Must demonstrate sufficient financial ability to support the sponsored spouse.

Learn more: Can I Sponsor My Niece or Nephew to USA? 3 Sponsorship Options.

For the sponsored spouse

1. ✅ Must be the legal spouse of the sponsor
2. ✅ At least 18 years of age
3. ✅ Must not have any serious criminal records
4. ✅ Must complete a health examination and the required vaccinations as per USCIS guidelines

Documents required for bringing your spouse to the U.S.

Here are the necessary documents that must be fully prepared, translated into English, and certified for a spouse sponsorship application to the U.S.:

1. • Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
3. • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
5. • Form DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa)
7. • Photo for U.S. visa application
9. • Personal identity documents: Passport, ID card, birth certificate, Green Card, or proof of nationality.
11. • Evidence of marital relationship: Joint photos, emails, letters, travel history, shared property ownership and financial proof.
13. • Financial proof: Savings account, payslips, proof of valuable assets, financial support confirmation letter from the sponsor.
15. • Police check for both spouses
17. • Health examination certificate of the sponsored spouse

Detailed process for bringing your spouse to the U.S.

The procedure for sponsoring a spouse to the U.S. includes the following 6 steps:

1️⃣ Step 1: Submit Form I-130 and Form I-130A to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The office will review the documents within 6–12 months.

2️⃣ Step 2: Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The applicants will receive a notification, case number, and fee payment instructions.

3️⃣ Step 3: Submit required documents as listed above to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Government officials will review and process the application within 2-3 months.

4️⃣ Step 4: Schedule a health examination and vaccinations at a medical facility approved by USCIS. This step must be completed before the interview date.

5️⃣ Step 5: Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Remember to bring your passport, interview appointment letter, and all previously submitted documents to NVC.

6️⃣ Step 6: Receive the visa upon approval, pay the Green Card fee online, and enter the U.S. After entry, the sponsored spouse will receive their Green Card within 2 – 3 months.

Breakdown of costs for bringing your spouse to the U.S.

The cost of sponsoring a spouse to the U.S. is approximately $2,000 per person, covering various fees such as:

1. • Application and processing fees
2. • Form I-130 filing fee (USCIS): $535
3. • Form DS-260 processing fee (NVC): $345
4. • Form I-864 processing fee (NVC): $120
5. Green Card issuance and biometrics fee (USCIS): $220 + $85
6. • Health examination and vaccination fees:
7. • Health examination: $165–$275
8. • Vaccination: $200–$300
9. • Miscellaneous fees:
10. • Certified translation fees
11. • Police check fee
12. • Visa delivery fee

Where to find a professional translation agency to help you bring your spouse to the U.S.?

Translating documents for a U.S. visa application is a crucial step that should be entrusted to a reputable translation agency to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the materials.

That’s where Thao & Co. comes in. We take great pride in providing top-tier visa application translation services, having proudly supported thousands of clients throughout the years. Our accurate translations contribute to higher approval rates for sponsorship applications.

With expertise in both personnel and workflow, Thao & Co. is committed to delivering exceptional service:

1. 🔹Legal consultation on U.S. visa regulations and assistance in completing sponsorship applications.
2. 🔹A team of qualified linguists with extensive experience in legal document translation.
3. 🔹Complimentary Certificate of Translation Accuracy issued by Thao & Co. to ensure credibility when submitting to USCIS.
4. 🔹Absolute confidentiality of client information and documents assured by strict NDAs.
5. 🔹Timely translation delivery to ensure clients stay on track with their application process.
6. 🔹Reasonable and competitive pricing with clear and transparent quotations.
7. 🔹Projects executed on our proprietary platform for seamless file delivery and progress tracking.

Thao & Co. hopes the above information has shed light on how long it takes to bring your spouse to the U.S. A well-prepared, precise, and properly translated application can significantly reduce processing times and enhance your chances of approval.

Contact Thao & Co. today through our Get A Quote form for a prompt and detailed consultation on our translation services.