Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Step-by-Step Guide to Spouse Visa for US
If your spouse is a US citizen or Green Card holder, you can apply for a spouse visa to live in the US.
The process starts with your spouse filing Form I-130.
After approval, you'll complete the online visa application (DS-260), pay fees, and submit documents.
You'll have a medical test and an interview at a US embassy.
The visa is approved if everything is in order.
If not, you may need to provide more documents or wait for additional checks.
Once approved, you can travel to the US and become a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Spouses of US citizens or Green Card holders can apply for a spouse visa.
The process starts with filing Form I-130.
Complete the online visa application (DS-260) and submit required documents.
Attend a medical test and interview at a US embassy.
Visa approval allows travel to the US and becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident.
- Who
- Couples where one spouse is a US citizen or Green Card holder
- What
- Process of obtaining a spouse visa to live in the US
- When
- After filing Form I-130 and completing the visa application process
- Where
- US embassy or consulate for the interview
- Why
- To reunite with a spouse living in the US
US Citizen Spouse
Green Card Holder Spouse
Processing Time
US Citizen Spouse
Generally faster processing time for spouses of US citizens.
Green Card Holder Spouse
Longer processing time for spouses of Green Card holders.
- Form I-130
- Petition for Alien Relative
- DS-260
- Online visa application
- 221(g) Refusal
- Temporary visa refusal due to missing documents or additional checks
- IR1/CR1 Visa
- Immigrant visa for spouses of US citizens
- K-1 Visa
- Fiance visa for engaged couples
- K-3 Visa
- Visa for spouses of US citizens waiting for immigrant visa