How to Apply for a USA Spouse Visa in 2025

Falling in love knows no borders, but immigration laws do. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and want to live together in America, you’ll need a USA Spouse Visa.

This visa allows foreign spouses to legally enter and live in the United States with their partners. It’s designed for couples who are already married, unlike the fiancé(e) visa meant for those planning to marry after arrival.

Applying correctly in 2025 matters more than ever. The process has updated fees, longer waiting times, and stricter documentation rules. Missing one form or proof of relationship can delay your dream of being together.

In this guide, you’ll learn every step from filing the right forms to attending the interview, so your spouse can bring you to the U.S. without any obstacle.

Understanding the USA Spouse Visa

When you start exploring how to bring your husband or wife to the U.S., you’ll come across two main types of spouse visas:

• The CR-1 and
• The IR-1

Both allow your spouse to live and work in the United States, but the difference lies in how long you’ve been married.

If you’ve been married for less than two years when the visa is approved, your spouse will receive a CR-1 (Conditional Resident) visa.

This means they’ll get a Green Card that’s valid for two years, and later, you’ll need to apply to remove the conditions to make it permanent.

If your marriage is over two years old, your spouse qualifies for an IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visa, which grants a 10-year Green Card right away

To be eligible, you must prove that your marriage is genuine—not just for immigration purposes. You’ll need documents like wedding photos, joint accounts, and communication history to show your relationship is real.

The U.S. spouse must also meet certain income requirements to sponsor their partner.

It’s also easy to confuse a spouse visa with a fiancé(e) visa (K-1). The difference is simple: the K-1 visa is for couples not yet married who plan to marry in the U.S. within 90 days of arrival.

The CR-1 and IR-1 visas, on the other hand, are only for couples who are already married and ready to start their life together in America.

How to Apply For USA Spouse Visa

Let’s go through the process of applying for a spouse visa:

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

This is where your journey officially begins. The U.S. citizen or Green Card holder files Form I-130 with USCIS to prove that a real marital relationship exists.

You’ll need to submit your marriage certificate, photos together, messages, and other proof of your life as a couple.

Think of this step as introducing your relationship to the U.S. immigration system. Once filed, USCIS will review your case. Approval can take several months, depending on where you live and how busy the service center is.

Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval

After filing, you’ll receive a receipt notice confirming your case is being processed. Waiting can be stressful, but it’s normal for this part to take time. During this period, you can track your case online. Once approved, your petition will move to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: Work with the National Visa Center (NVC)

At this stage, you’ll submit additional forms and documents to the NVC. This includes paying the visa fees, filling out the DS-260 form (the actual visa application), and uploading financial documents like the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). The NVC will review everything before scheduling your spouse’s interview.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

Your spouse will be called for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country. This is often the most emotional step—many couples feel nervous, but being prepared helps. The officer may ask questions about your marriage, how you met, and daily life together. As long as your answers are honest and your documents are in order, you’ll be fine..

Processing Time and Costs (2025 Update)

1. Processing Times in 2025

The Form I-130 petition (for U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse) currently takes on average around 14.8 months to process.

If the foreign spouse is applying from abroad (consular processing), the combined I-130 + visa processing time can stretch to 14 to 18 months, depending on backlog and country

For petitions from Green Card holders (vs U.S. citizens), wait times may be far longer due to visa quotas and backlogs.

Also note: processing times are rising in FY 2025, so newer applications may face delays

2. Costs & Fees in 2025

Below is a breakdown of the typical fees you’ll face when applying for a CR-1 or IR-1 spouse visa in 2025:

Total estimated government and processing fees: around $1,400 – $1,800, excluding travel or legal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About the USA Spouse Visa

1. How long does it take to get a USA Spouse Visa in 2025?

On average, the process takes 14 to 18 months from start to finish. Timelines depend on your location, visa type (CR-1 or IR-1), and how quickly you submit documents.

2. How much does a USA Spouse Visa cost in 2025?

Expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 in total, including government fees, medical exams, and document costs. Legal or translation services can add more.

3. Can my spouse work in the U.S. after arriving?

Yes. Once your spouse enters the U.S. on a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, they automatically become a lawful permanent resident and can work right away without applying for a separate work permit.

4. What’s the difference between a Spouse Visa and a Fiancé(e) Visa?

A Spouse Visa (CR-1/IR-1) is for couples who are already married, while a Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) is for couples who plan to marry within 90 days after arriving in the U.S.

5. Can we apply if we’re living in different countries?

Yes. The U.S. spouse can file the I-130 petition from anywhere, and the foreign spouse will complete the visa process through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

6. What kind of proof do we need to show our marriage is real?

You’ll need evidence such as wedding photos, chat history, joint bank accounts, travel records, and letters from friends or family confirming your relationship.

7. Can my spouse visit the U.S. while the visa is processing?

It’s possible but not guaranteed. Your spouse may try to visit on a tourist visa, but they must show they’ll return home after the visit. Immigration officers can deny entry if they think your spouse plans to stay permanently.

8. What happens if our Spouse Visa is denied?

If denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining why. You can appeal the decision or reapply with stronger evidence, depending on the reason for refusal.

9. Do we need a lawyer to apply?

Not necessarily. Many couples complete the process on their own using official USCIS and NVC instructions. However, hiring a lawyer can help if your case is complicated or if you’ve had previous visa issues.

10. What happens after my spouse arrives in the U.S.?

Once your spouse enters the U.S., they become a Green Card holder. If your marriage is under two years old, the card will be conditional for two years. You’ll then file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and make it permanent.

Final Thought

Applying for a USA Spouse Visa isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about bringing two lives together across borders. The process can test your patience with its long waits, forms, and interviews, but every step is a move closer to living with the person you love. Remember, thousands of couples go through this journey every year and succeed by staying organized, honest, and persistent.

Take time to double-check your documents, follow the instructions carefully, and keep your communication strong while you wait. Even if delays happen, stay focused on the goal — building your future together in the United States.

Love may be universal, but the rules are not. Understanding them clearly is what turns your dream into reality. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll soon be welcoming your spouse home, not just with a visa, but with a new beginning.