What is the duration of each step of the CR-1?

The CR1 visa, intended for spouses of American citizens, involves a process divided into well-defined steps, each with its own timeline. It is important to remember that these times are only estimates and can vary depending on the specific case, the workload of government agencies, and the proper submission of all documents.

Firstly, there is the initial petition (Form I-130), which proves the relationship and serves to start the immigration application. This step usually takes, as a rule, between 6 to 12 months, and may extend depending on factors such as the current demand at the immigration agency and the complexity of the case.

After the petition approval, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). At this stage, additional documents, fees, and forms are processed. This step has an estimated duration of 2 to 4 months, but it is worth emphasizing that the speed of the process can vary according to the readiness in organizing documents and any additional agency requests.

Finally, once all documentation is complete at the NVC, the case is forwarded to the American embassy or consulate, where the consular interview will be scheduled. The scheduling and conducting of the interview may take a few weeks or even a few months, depending on availability and the time of year. In general, after the interview, the final visa issuance process can also take a few weeks.

It is essential to strictly follow the United States immigration laws and pay attention to official guidance. Avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed results. If there are doubts, seek information through reliable sources, such as official U.S. government websites, and always exercise caution when submitting documentation.

Each phase of the process may have variations in deadlines, so maintaining constant monitoring of the case status is an important step to avoid surprises throughout the immigration journey.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.