19 months for case decision. Is this estimate accurate?

[CinderSoul 3]

Hey everyone,

 

So, after a couple of weeks of waiting for my l-130 submission so my husband can get a CR1 Visa, I just got an update on the USCIS site that the estimated time for case decision is a whopping 19 months. This is an insane amount of time, I wanted to ask if these estimates are correct and really take that long? Before applying, I remember seeing most people mention that the average is 11 months, so I'm really surprised to be given that much waiting time, especially since in the timeline this is just step 2 out of possibly 12. Would anyone kindly be able to weigh in on this? 

 

Thanks!

[CVN Dallas 8]

  On 3/30/2025 at 11:59 PM, CinderSoul said:

Hey everyone,

 

So, after a couple of weeks of waiting for my l-130 submission so my husband can get a CR1 Visa, I just got an update on the USCIS site that the estimated time for case decision is a whopping 19 months. This is an insane amount of time, I wanted to ask if these estimates are correct and really take that long? Before applying, I remember seeing most people mention that the average is 11 months, so I'm really surprised to be given that much waiting time, especially since in the timeline this is just step 2 out of possibly 12. Would anyone kindly be able to weigh in on this? 

 

Thanks!

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Right now the waiting time is about 16 months. 

[CinderSoul 3]

  On 3/31/2025 at 12:26 AM, CVN Dallas said:

Right now the waiting time is about 16 months. 

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Would 16 months be only the NVC approval, or is this for the entire process? I'm a bit confused because I see that after the approval there are still several steps listed, from proof of funds to documentation filling, then interview... And like, is 16 months an average? Is there a chance we could get lucky and it process sooner? Apologies if this is common knowledge, we just want to understand how much waiting we must go through, so we can be emotionally prepared for it.

[Theersink 27]

  On 3/31/2025 at 12:47 AM, CinderSoul said:

 

Would 16 months be only the NVC approval, or is this for the entire process? I'm a bit confused because I see that after the approval there are still several steps listed, from proof of funds to documentation filling, then interview... And like, is 16 months an average? Is there a chance we could get lucky and it process sooner? Apologies if this is common knowledge, we just want to understand how much waiting we must go through, so we can be emotionally prepared for it.

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This is just for the initial 130. The rest highly depends on the embassy where NVC will send the case. That step can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months or more. A realistic expectation is around 19 to 26 months start to finish barring any complications. 

[CinderSoul 3]

  On 3/31/2025 at 1:07 AM, Theersink said:

This is just for the initial 130. The rest highly depends on the embassy where NVC will send the case. That step can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months or more. A realistic expectation is around 19 to 26 months start to finish barring any complications. 

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Oh dear... I was hoping for some optimistic responses, I'm now feeling even more dread than before, oh man 💔. I appreciate the reply, though... 

[CVN Dallas 8]

  On 3/31/2025 at 12:47 AM, CinderSoul said:

 

Would 16 months be only the NVC approval, or is this for the entire process? I'm a bit confused because I see that after the approval there are still several steps listed, from proof of funds to documentation filling, then interview... And like, is 16 months an average? Is there a chance we could get lucky and it process sooner? Apologies if this is common knowledge, we just want to understand how much waiting we must go through, so we can be emotionally prepared for it.

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Your question was the estimated wait time on your USCIS online account, therefore, my reply was specific for that question. Of course, the actual waiting time for processing could be higher or lower based the speed the USCIS processing the backlog. For better understading the cases processing checkout this site: https://***removed due to spam***/i130 

 

After USCIS proccessing phase, then the NVC steps will begin.

[CVN Dallas 8]

  On 3/31/2025 at 1:26 AM, CVN Dallas said:

Your question was the estimated wait time on your USCIS online account, therefore, my reply was specific for that question. Of course, the actual waiting time for processing could be higher or lower based the speed the USCIS processing the backlog. For better understading the cases processing checkout this site: https://***removed due to spam***/i130 

 

After USCIS proccessing phase, then the NVC steps will begin.

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Sorry, they remove the link, but type this on google: **

[CVN Dallas 8]

  On 3/31/2025 at 1:27 AM, CVN Dallas said:

Sorry, they remove the link, but type this on google: **

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again they remove my info.  Try this online   Track my Visa Now

[mam521 2,378]

The unfortunate reality is that immigration is not fast and the current administration has pushed for more in depth review of cases.  The fortunate reality is immigration proceedings are finite.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise!  

 

If you search the forum, you will find the guide for filing for spousal visas.  It will guide you through the entire process.  The I-130 is but one piece of the puzzle.  

[CinderSoul 3]

  On 3/31/2025 at 3:40 PM, mam521 said:

The unfortunate reality is that immigration is not fast and the current administration has pushed for more in depth review of cases.  The fortunate reality is immigration proceedings are finite.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise!  

 

If you search the forum, you will find the guide for filing for spousal visas.  It will guide you through the entire process.  The I-130 is but one piece of the puzzle.  

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Thank you for saying that. It is very frustrating to deal with such a long time like this, and we wanted to have this sorted out as soon as possible since we don't know what could change because of the current administration, especially since we are a same sex couple. The anxiety can sometimes be a bit too much.  Either way, we are gonna try to stay strong and patient until the time comes. I'll definitely check out other threads for any helpful information!

 

[James2025 3]

I thought I would chime into this considering we just were approved with USCIS

For starters the processing times don't mean anything. The timer can and will countdown to taking longer than expected a dozen times with nothing happening. 

My case, standalone I-130 spouse living abroad, PD was Nov 28, 2023, actively being reviewed Jan 2, 2024, Approved March 14th, 2025, Transferred to NVC March 16th NVC sent letter March 21 to make online account. 

Over the 16 months of waiting, I kept uploading more evidence. My progress tab counted down to zero 5 times. Even on the day of the approval notice, my progress tab showed 5 months. 

From start to finish it looks like it will take over two years for this process.

My advice is to keep uploading supporting documents as time goes on. I was advised the main thing they look at is finical documents, in my case I uploaded 18 months of visa statements, a ton of plan tickets, Airbnb stays, bank wires, lease agreement, new car purchase and so forth.

You want to make their job easy, make it so no one could say it is not a valid marriage. 

[CinderSoul 3]

  On 3/31/2025 at 9:28 PM, James2025 said:

I thought I would chime into this considering we just were approved with USCIS

For starters the processing times don't mean anything. The timer can and will countdown to taking longer than expected a dozen times with nothing happening. 

My case, standalone I-130 spouse living abroad, PD was Nov 28, 2023, actively being reviewed Jan 2, 2024, Approved March 14th, 2025, Transferred to NVC March 16th NVC sent letter March 21 to make online account. 

Over the 16 months of waiting, I kept uploading more evidence. My progress tab counted down to zero 5 times. Even on the day of the approval notice, my progress tab showed 5 months. 

From start to finish it looks like it will take over two years for this process.

My advice is to keep uploading supporting documents as time goes on. I was advised the main thing they look at is finical documents, in my case I uploaded 18 months of visa statements, a ton of plan tickets, Airbnb stays, bank wires, lease agreement, new car purchase and so forth.

You want to make their job easy, make it so no one could say it is not a valid marriage. 

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Thank you for sharing this!! I will keep that in mind. We already uploaded a lot of plane tickets and hotel booking receipts we've had over the years, since that's basically our main evidence, and I was indeed concerned if that would be enough. Since my husband is not in the US right now and only has a tourism VISA I don't think we have a lot more options to prove the bonafide marriage outside that, since I don't believe we would be able to have joint accounts or rent a house in both our names, or share health insurance (if anyone else has any suggestion however, I would appreciate the advice)