Blog: Consular Processing

Your I-130 Was Approved, but Your Spouse Is Outside the U.S. What Happens Next?

Jul 31, 2026

After months of gathering records, filing paperwork, and waiting for USCIS to make a decision, you finally receive the notice you were hoping for: your Form I-130 has been approved. If your spouse is still living outside the United States, however, you may be wondering when an interview can be scheduled, what paperwork is still required, and when your spouse may actually be able to join you in the United States. An approved I-130 confirms...