Overview of the Spouse Visa Process

The U.S. spouse visa is an immigrant visa, meaning your spouse enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.
The process follows five main stages:

1. USCIS petition
2. National Visa Center (NVC)
3. Embassy Manila processing
4. Medical exam and interview
5. U.S. entry as a green card holder

Each stage builds on the previous one; mistakes early can cause delays later.

Step 1: Filing the Spouse Petition with USCIS

The U.S. citizen files an immigrant petition for their spouse.
This stage establishes:

• The validity of the marriage
• The legitimacy of the relationship
• Basic eligibility

Accuracy matters here more than speed.

Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center.

At this stage:

• Fees are paid
• Civil documents are submitted
• Financial sponsorship is reviewed

The NVC must approve the case before it can move to Manila.

Step 3: Case Transfer to U.S. Embassy Manila

Once documentarily complete, the case is forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The Filipino spouse prepares for:

• Medical examination
• Interview scheduling
• Final document checks

Preparation during this stage helps avoid administrative delays.

Step 4: Medical Exam and Embassy Interview

The medical exam must be completed before the interview.

At the interview, officers confirm:

• Marriage authenticity
• Immigration eligibility
• Intent to live together permanently

This is the most personal stage of the process.

Spouse Visa Interview Manila 🖱

Step 5: Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry

If approved:

• The visa is issued
• The spouse enters the U.S. as a permanent resident
• A green card is later mailed automatically

No adjustment of status filing is required after entry.

CR-1 vs IR-1 Explained During the Process

• CR-1: Marriage under 2 years (conditional residence)
• IR-1: Marriage 2+ years (permanent residence)

The process is the same, only the status upon entry differs.

Common Process Delays

Delays often result from:

• Missing or unclear documents
• Financial sponsorship issues
• Weak relationship evidence
• Interview concerns

Most delays are preventable with planning.

Is the Spouse Visa Right for You?

Many couples choose the spouse visa because:

• It provides permanent status immediately
• It avoids post-arrival immigration filings
• It allows faster work authorization

Comparison matters.

K-1 vs Spouse Visa Comparison 🖱

Need Guidance with the Spouse Visa Process?

If you want clarity before filing — especially for Philippines cases — guidance can save months of frustration.

Get Spouse Visa Guidance 🖱