Marriage Visa Timeline in Diamond Bar: How Long to Get Your Spouse's Green Card
Understanding processing times for spousal immigration in 2026
Quick Answer
Spousal green card processing times vary from 12-36 months depending on whether your spouse is in the U.S. or abroad and what type of petition you file. Understanding the timeline helps you plan your immigration journey.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For couples in Diamond Bar navigating the marriage-based immigration process, understanding realistic timelines is crucial for planning. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families understand what to expect during the spousal immigration journey.
Marriage Immigration Options Overview
• Adjustment of Status (spouse already in U.S.)
• Consular Processing IR-1/CR-1 (spouse abroad)
• K-1 Fiancé Visa then Adjustment (fiancé abroad)
Timelines vary significantly between these options.
Adjustment of Status Timeline (Spouse in U.S.)
| Step | Processing Time | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| File I-130 + I-485 concurrently | Initial receipt: 2-4 weeks | 1 month |
| Biometrics appointment | 4-8 weeks after filing | 2-3 months |
| EAD/Advance Parole (I-765/I-131) | 3-6 months | 3-6 months |
| Interview scheduled | 8-18 months after filing | 8-18 months |
| Decision after interview | Same day to 2 months | 8-20 months |
| Green card received | 2-4 weeks after approval | 9-21 months |
Consular Processing Timeline (Spouse Abroad)
| Step | Processing Time | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 approval | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Case transferred to NVC | 4-8 weeks | 13-20 months |
| NVC document collection | 1-3 months | 14-23 months |
| NVC review and scheduling | 1-3 months | 15-26 months |
| Embassy interview | Scheduled availability | 16-30 months |
| Visa issuance | 1-2 weeks after interview | 16-30 months |
| Entry to U.S. | Valid 6 months | 17-31 months |
K-1 Fiancé Visa Timeline
| Step | Processing Time | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| I-129F approval | 8-14 months | 8-14 months |
| NVC processing | 4-6 weeks | 9-15 months |
| Embassy interview | 2-4 months | 11-19 months |
| Enter U.S. and marry | 90 days to marry | 12-20 months |
| File I-485 adjustment | After marriage | 12-20 months |
| Green card approval | 8-18 months more | 20-38 months |
IR-1 vs CR-1 Visa Differences
• IR-1 (Immediate Relative): Married 2+ years at green card issuance
- Receive permanent 10-year green card
- No conditions to remove
• CR-1 (Conditional Resident): Married less than 2 years
- Receive conditional 2-year green card
- Must file I-751 to remove conditions
- File jointly 90 days before expiration
Factors That Affect Timeline
- •USCIS office workload (varies by location)
- •Complete vs. incomplete applications
- •Background check delays
- •Requests for Evidence (RFE)
- •Embassy interview availability
- •Administrative processing
- •COVID-19 related backlogs (diminishing)
How to Check Processing Times
- 1USCIS Online Account
Check case status with receipt number
- 2USCIS Processing Times
View current times by form and office
- 3CEAC Status
Track consular cases through State Department
- 4NVC Case Status
Check National Visa Center progress
- 5Case Inquiry
Submit inquiry if outside normal processing time
Work Authorization During Process
• Adjustment of Status: Can file I-765 for EAD
• K-1 after marriage: File I-485 and I-765
• Consular processing: No U.S. work permit until entry
• Combo card: EAD + Advance Parole in one
Travel During the Process
• Adjustment pending: Need Advance Parole to travel
• K-1 pending adjustment: Advance Parole required
• Consular processing: Spouse remains abroad
• Green card holders: Travel freely with valid card
Tips for Faster Processing
- •Submit complete applications first time
- •Respond quickly to any USCIS requests
- •Keep address updated with USCIS
- •Prepare thoroughly for interview
- •Have all documents ready before appointments
- •Check case status regularly
- •File within processing time inquiries when eligible
Diamond Bar Marriage Immigration Services
- •Timeline planning for your specific situation
- •Concurrent I-130/I-485 filing
- •Consular processing preparation
- •K-1 vs direct spouse visa analysis
- •Work permit and travel document applications
- •Interview preparation and support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What's faster: adjustment of status or consular processing?
A: Adjustment of status is typically faster if your spouse can legally file in the U.S. (usually 12-20 months total vs 18-30 months for consular processing). However, individual circumstances vary.
Q:Can I expedite my spouse's green card?
A: USCIS rarely grants expedites for marriage cases unless there's severe financial loss, medical emergency, or humanitarian reasons. You can request expedited processing but approval is discretionary.
Q:How long after the interview do I get the green card?
A: If approved at the interview, the green card typically arrives within 2-4 weeks. Some cases require additional review which can add weeks or months.
Q:Is K-1 faster than CR-1 visa?
A: K-1 gets your fiancé to the U.S. faster, but the total time to green card is often longer because you must then file adjustment of status after marriage. Direct CR-1 is often faster for total green card timeline.
Q:What if processing is taking longer than posted times?
A: If your case is outside normal processing times, you can submit a case inquiry through USCIS online, call the Contact Center, or request an InfoPass appointment for complex issues.
Q:Can my spouse work while waiting for green card?
A: With adjustment of status, you can file for an EAD (work permit) that typically arrives within 3-6 months. K-1 holders can file for EAD after marriage when filing I-485.
Planning Your Marriage Immigration Timeline?
Let us help you understand realistic timelines and choose the best pathway for your situation. Free consultation for Diamond Bar couples.
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