If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the United States and your spouse resides in a foreign country, establishing a life together in the United States involves more than a plane ticket. The process of sponsoring your spouse for a green card requires multiple steps, forms, and approvals.
Despite holdups in travel and documentary requirements, there are more reasons than ever to prepare now for 2025. However, with the right attitude, you can bring your wife home and move into your future together.
Filing the I-130 Petition
The first process is to submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This informs the U.S. government that there is a valid marriage and that you wish to sponsor your spouse for immigration. You will have to submit evidence of your relationship, like a marriage certificate, joint financial records, and photos showing your life together. The objective is to prove that your marriage is legitimate — that it isn’t just for immigration benefits.
We assisted a U.S. citizen who married his wife in Colombia. They had met when he was studying abroad, and their application included wedding photographs, travel records, and joint bank statements. Once USCIS approved the I-130 petition, we assisted in preparing for the consular procedure. His wife, who also secured an immigrant visa, arrived in New York six months later.
If you’re not sure what to submit, whether documents or how to prove you have an established relationship, take a look at our marriage visa services and how we can help make your petition as strong as it can be.
National Visa Center and Consular Processing
The I-130 is approved. The case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fees and documents. Next, the case goes to the U.S. embassy or a consulate in your spouse’s country for an interview.
During this process, you will submit tax documents to demonstrate that you can support your spouse when they come to the United States. This includes your Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and your tax forms. Your spouse will have to fill out a visa application and attend a medical examination and a green card interview at the U.S. embassy.
If your spouse is from a country under conflict or diplomatic measures, the process could take longer. When we do, we help you stay informed and prepared for what’s next. If you have questions about embassy timelines and interview problems, we can help. Schedule your consultation today and let us help you start your case.
Cost of Sponsoring a Spouse Abroad
The full price of bringing a spouse over from abroad is a combination of government and legal fees. In 2025, the fee for filing the I-130 petition with the USCIS is $675. The NVC processing fee and visa application total approximately $445. The necessary medical exam generally costs between $200 and $400 to perform, depending on the country.
Legal costs depend on your particular circumstances and any complicating factors involved in your case. For full preparation, submission, and consular process guidance, most clients pay between $3,500 and $6,000 in legal support.
One couple with whom we worked experienced delays arising from the absence of birth registration records in their home country. We helped them file secondary evidence, affidavits, and the like, and keep their case on track. The green card was approved, and they now live together in the U.S.
If you are just beginning the process and would like to know the costs, requirements, and timeline, contact us today.
The Right Way to Bring Your Spouse to the U.S.
Sponsoring a foreign national spouse for immigration may feel over-complicated, but each step has a reason. From how you will prove your relationship to how you will prepare your spouse for the interview. The more you plan, the easier the process will go, and the more likely your chances of success will be. Filling out forms too quickly or skipping important documents can result in delays or outright rejections.
At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we are all about taking care of your family. We walk you through from the initial petition to the day your spouse arrives in the U.S., keeping you informed and supported every step of the way.
If you’re prepared to bring your loved one home, schedule a consultation today to get started with trustworthy legal assistance.
