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How long does the I-130 Visa process for a Thai spouse typically take?

Green Card I-130 Visa Thai Spouse Visa Processing Times USCIS Immigration VisaJourney K-1 Fiancé Visa Spousal Visas

Nov 19, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My Thai wife of 2 1/2 years has been working on trying to finalize her Green Card/I-130 Visa.  USCIS received her application in January of ‘24.  Does anyone have any idea how much longer this legal approach will take?  Any insight will be welcomed. Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The timeline for processing Green Card/I-130 Visa applications can vary significantly. Responses indicate a range of experiences, with some individuals reporting approval in as little as 3 months, while others mention a timeframe of approximately 1 year. The average processing time can be about 14 months according to the USCIS website. Factors affecting processing may include the location of the immigration office and any backlogs present in the system. For personalized insights and current experiences, it is recommended to visit forums like VisaJourney.com.

Chanan **************

I got mine in 7 months without interview. It depends on how many cases in your state/center.

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Wayne ********

We filed for the green card while my wife was in the United States. She came over on a K-1 fiancé Visa we gave up after 12 months because she couldn’t even get an advance parole approved, which was supposed to only take three months and her mother got sick so we abandoned her application for a green card and came back to Thailand. Now she comes to the United States with me on a tourist visa which is good for 10 years multiple entry.

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James *********

As mentioned - VisaJourney.com is a great source of info - including current timelines per/location. I would suggest you NOT travel during the next few weeks (or, until you are notified). My wife and I were out of the country, and had to return when we got notice for an appointment.

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Dave ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James ********

So, I presume that my Thai wife’s interview can happen IN the USA, rather than in Bangkok? I plan to go join her in Thailand December- March and then return to the USA together.

How does USCIS determine where/which city her interview will be?

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James *********

From VJ. com... "IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visas are immigrant visas issued to foreign spouses of US Citizens. After the US citizen spouse files (and has approved) the proper petition with the USCIS, the foreign spouse will complete the visa process completely outside the US. Upon approval and once issued, the foreign spouse may enter the US with their visa and pass through the arrival Port of Entry, where they will become a Permanent Resident immediately." (

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James *********

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Michael *********

Wow this is sad. It only took my wife 3 months to get approved & into the US, but we used a Thai attorney to handle for us.

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Dave ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael ********

I should have gone that route. But being patient. Thanks

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Dave ********

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Ken *******

I had the same journey with my thai wife. It's a waiting game. All you can do is wait they are back logged. Not all immigration offices are that bad it depends on where you file. Ours was through Cleveland Ohio.

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Cary ******

Check

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for folks currently going through the process.

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Frank **********

I submitted my wife's about two months ago. USCIS website says estimate 14 months. Try looking at the status on the website.

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Dave ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

I have-slow.

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Dave ********

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Mike **********

My wife’s took about 1 year.

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Mike **********

They issue the Green Card after 1st entry, SSA will issue a SSN and card. Upon 1st entry they took her to interview room and had me go to baggage claim to wait. She said they were quite friendly and polite. He did ask her how much cash she was carrying and she said about 10 or 15 thousand. He and another woman Imm officer said “what? USD?” She said no Thai Bath, and they all had a good laugh, then said “welcome to America”

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Brandon **********

@Mike *********

Jeeeze she almost screwed up a big $10k + customs issue. No customs officer in the USA is gonna know about Thai baht

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Mike **********

@Brandon *********

yes. Immigration had a good laugh. She was talking THB, they were thinking USD 🤣 I know the rule, I wouldn’t carry that much USD. Dropped my wallet on a bus in transfer from Gatwick to Heathrow. Not much cash and was able to recover the wallet in full. Don’t need carry much cash on a plane.

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Mike **********

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Dave ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mike *********

thanks

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Dave ********

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