How to Check Your Spouse’s Visa Status and Navigate Delays
1) Identify where the case is. Consulting an immigration lawyer can help clarify this step.
- USCIS (I-130 pending/approved): Use the USCIS online case status with the receipt number. Track posted processing times for your service center.
- NVC (post-approval): After USCIS approval, watch for an NVC case number. Use the CEAC portal to view “At NVC,” “In Transit,” or “Ready.”
- Embassy/Consulate (interview stage): CEAC shows “Ready,” “Administrative Processing,” or “Issued.”
2) Read status messages correctly.
- “Administrative Processing”: Often extra security checks or missing items under 221(g). Review your interview letter and any refusal worksheet for exact requests. An immigration lawyer could assist in understanding these requirements.
3) Prevent avoidable delays.
- Submit a complete civil document set (birth/marriage certificates, police clearances), consistent I-864 with correct income and tax evidence, and legible scans.
- For consular processing, finish DS-260, schedule the medical exam promptly, and bring all originals to the interview.
4) When to inquire or escalate.
- USCIS: File an online “outside normal processing time” inquiry once your receipt date passes the posted timeline.
- Embassy: Follow the post’s inquiry channel; respond precisely to 221(g) requests.
- Congressional help: Your U.S. House or Senate office can request a status update with a privacy release.
- Expedite: Provide documented urgency—medical, safety, military, or severe financial harm.
5) If delays become unreasonable. Consult an immigration lawyer if delays continue to help explore legal options.
- Consider a FOIA request to see what the file shows.
- For prolonged, unjustified delay, discuss a federal mandamus/APA action to compel adjudication.
6) Keep your case organized.
Maintain a timeline, copies of all receipts, CEAC screenshots, emails, and courier tracking. Consistency across forms, affidavits, and evidence reduces RFEs/221(g) and speeds final issuance. An immigration lawyer can help you maintain proper documentation.
