How to Apply for a USA Spouse Visa in 2026 (Requirements & Timeline)

Reuniting with your spouse in the United States is a big and happy step in life. But the rules for a USA spouse visa in 2026 are a bit hard and changing. With new fee changes from January 2026 because of inflation and more use of online systems like the CEAC portal, you need to know the latest information. This can help you avoid long waits or problems.

This simple guide explains everything you need for a marriage green card in 2026. It uses easy words and clear steps. We cover the types of visas, costs, what you need, how long it takes, and the steps to follow. Always check the official sites like USCIS.gov or travel.state.gov for the most current details, as this is just for information.

IR1 Visa vs. CR1 Visa Explained: Which One Do You Get?

In 2026, you do not pick the visa type yourself. The U.S. government decides it based on how long you have been married when your spouse enters the U.S.

CR1 Visa (Conditional Resident)

This visa is for couples married for less than two years. Your spouse gets a conditional green card for two years when they enter the U.S. Near the end of those two years (90 days before it expires), you must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions. This form asks to make the green card permanent. If you do not file it, there can be problems with staying in the U.S.

IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative)

This visa is for couples married for two years or more. Your spouse gets a full 10-year green card right away when they enter the U.S. No conditions mean no extra form like I-751 later.

Pro Tip: If your wedding anniversary is close to two years, some couples wait a little so their spouse enters after the two-year mark. This way, they get the IR1 visa and skip the extra work and cost of removing conditions later.

Both visas let your spouse live and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident. The main difference is the green card type at the start.

Updated USA Spousal Visa Fees 2026

From January 1, 2026, USCIS made changes to some fees because of inflation. Filing online through your USCIS account is usually cheaper and faster than paper.

Here is a simple cost breakdown in USD for 2026:

• I-130 Petition Fee: $625 (online) or $675 (paper)
• DS-260 Immigrant Visa Fee: $325
• Affidavit of Support (I-864) Fee: $120
• USCIS Immigrant Fee (after entry to get the green card): $235
• Medical Examination: About $200 to $500 (depends on the doctor and country)
• Biometrics (if needed): Around $30

Total government fees can be around $1,300 to $1,500, plus the medical exam and other small costs like photos or travel. These fees are not refundable, even if the case is not approved. Always use the latest fee list on USCIS.gov because small changes can happen.

Mandatory USA Spouse Visa Requirements 2026

To get the visa, you must show three main things: enough money to support your spouse, a real marriage, and all papers uploaded correctly.

Financial Support (Affidavit of Support)

The U.S. sponsor (usually the citizen spouse) must prove they can support the foreign spouse so they do not need government help. This follows the “Public Charge Rule.” The sponsor needs income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For a household of two in most U.S. states (not Alaska or Hawaii), the 2026 minimum is around $25,000 to $26,000 per year. (Check the exact number on USCIS Form I-864P because it updates yearly.)

You need to send proof like:

• Tax returns or transcripts for the last 3 years
• W-2 forms
• Recent pay stubs
• If income is low, you can use assets or a joint sponsor.

Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage

You must show your marriage is real, not just for immigration. USCIS looks for strong evidence.

Common proofs include:

• Joint bank accounts or bills
• Joint rent or home papers
• Photos together over time
• Travel records or tickets
• Messages, calls, or social media showing your life together
• Birth certificates if you have children
• Letters from friends or family

In 2026, they check “social proof” like online photos and chats more.

Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) Uploads

Now, most things are online. No more sending papers by mail in many cases. You upload clear PDF scans of:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificate
• Police clearance certificates
• Passports
• Other civil documents

Use high-quality scans so they accept them fast.

Marriage Green Card Timeline 2026: What to Expect

Times change based on where your spouse is and other factors. In 2026:

• If the spouse is already in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): About 9 to 11 months total.
• If the spouse is outside the U.S. (Consular Processing): About 12 to 15 months on average, sometimes 14 to 17 months for I-130 approval plus more for visa.

For people from countries like Pakistan or India, it can take longer because of busy consulates and extra checks (called Administrative Processing or 221g).

The full process from start to green card can be 10 to 24 months in many cases. USCIS works on immediate relative cases (like spouses of citizens) faster than others.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Here are the main steps in simple order:

1. File Form I-130 Online The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) online at USCIS. Pay the fee ($625 online). Add proof of marriage and citizenship.
2. Wait for USCIS Approval USCIS reviews it. When approved, they send the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
3. NVC Processing Pay the DS-260 fee ($325) and I-864 fee ($120). Upload all documents to the CEAC portal. NVC checks everything.
4. The Medical Exam The foreign spouse goes to an approved doctor for a health check and vaccines. This costs $200–$500.
5. The Interview The last big step is at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring all papers and be ready to talk about your marriage. Answer questions honestly to show it is real.

After the interview, if approved, your spouse gets the visa and can enter the U.S. They get the green card soon after.

FAQ: Common Concerns in 2026

Ready to Reunite?

The rules in 2026 favor people who prepare well and use online tools. Start with the I-130 filing soon to get your place in line.

If you have questions about income for your family size or other details, check official sites or ask experts. This guide is only for learning. Always confirm with USCIS or the Department of State before you start.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as USCIS.gov or the U.S. Department of State, before making decisions.