The short answer
A U.S. citizen can petition for a spouse as an immediate relative, which means there is no yearly limit and no waiting line. If the spouse is in the U.S. in lawful status, the petition and the green card application can often be filed together. If abroad, the spouse applies at a U.S. embassy.
What to know
- Form I-130 is the petition from the citizen.
- Spouse in the U.S.: usually adjusts status with Form I-485.
- Spouse abroad: immigrant visa through the National Visa Center and an embassy interview.
- Processing time still varies by office.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.