United States of America
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A) processing time
I-130 + I-485 adjustment of status commonly runs 10–18 months. I-130 + consular processing (DS-260) varies by post: 12–30 months end-to-end for preference-category spouses of LPRs.
Typical window
7 months – 2.5 years
Government fees
I-130 USD 675 (paper) / USD 625 (online); DS-260 USD 325 (consular); I-485 USD 1,440 (adjustment); I-751 USD 750.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A) sits in the family category. Typical duration: Permanent residence (conditional 2-year CR1 converts to 10-year card via I-751).. Indicative government fees: I-130 USD 675 (paper) / USD 625 (online); DS-260 USD 325 (consular); I-485 USD 1,440 (adjustment); I-751 USD 750..
- Requires a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Spouses of US citizens living abroad (CR1/IR1) or inside the US (adjustment of status), Spouses of green-card holders (F2A).
Primary source
USCIS — Green Card for Family Members of U.S. Citizens
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-immediate-relatives-of-us-citizen
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A) take to process?
I-130 + I-485 adjustment of status commonly runs 10–18 months. I-130 + consular processing (DS-260) varies by post: 12–30 months end-to-end for preference-category spouses of LPRs. These figures come from USCIS — Green Card for Family Members of U.S. Citizens and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.