Getting a U.S. green card through marriage is a mix of love and following the law. In 2026, the process uses more online tools and checks data carefully. New rules from Executive Order 14161 and USCIS fee changes on January 1, 2026, make it important to plan well to avoid long waits.
This guide helps you, whether you file both I-130 and I-485 together inside the U.S. (called concurrent filing) or do consular processing from outside the U.S. It gives the latest information, rules, and tips to help your family come together successfully.
The 2026 Landscape: Digital Vetting and Social Media Rules
The biggest change in 2026 for spousal visa applications is more checks on digital information. Under new DHS rules, applicants must share all social media accounts they used in the last five years. This includes any alias or extra accounts.
Executive Order 14161 and Digital Identity
Executive Order 14161 helps make border security modern. It requires USCIS and the State Department to use automatic tools. These tools check your application details against your public online information.
- The “Consistency” Standard: Make sure your relationship story on sites like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn matches what you write in Form I-130. Any mismatch can cause problems.
- Affirmative Moral Character: New rules in 2026 ask you to show good things about yourself. This means proof that you help your community, not just no criminal record.
These digital checks help officers see if your marriage is real and if you follow the rules.
Strategic Timeline: What to Expect in 2026
Knowing the timeline helps you plan your life. Wait times are stable now after big backlogs in 2024. But some steps take longer because of the rule for in-person interviews with no exceptions.
Key Processing Milestones
- USCIS I-130 Approval: For U.S. citizen sponsors, this takes 9 to 13 months on average. Some cases finish in 10-15 months.
- NVC Case Creation: After approval, digital files move to the National Visa Center in about 2 weeks.
- Consular Interview Backlog: This varies by country. The average is 3 to 6 months after your file is complete with documents.
- Adjustment of Status (In the U.S.): This takes 8 to 16 months. It depends on the USCIS field office near you and their workload.
Plan for 10-14 months or more in total for many cases. Check USCIS website for your specific office times.
Financial Requirements: The 2026 Price Tag
The costs are higher and more fixed after the USCIS fee update on January 1, 2026. Now, most payments must be electronic. Paper checks are not accepted for many filings.
2026 Fee Schedule
Here are the main fees in 2026:
- Form I-130 (Petition): $625 (online filing gets a $50 discount; paper is higher, around $675).
- Form I-485 (Adjustment): $1,540 (this includes biometrics).
- DS-260 (Consular Fee): $325 (paid online through CEAC).
- I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120 (NVC fee).
Tips to save: File online for I-130 to get the discount. Use credit card or bank transfer as required.
Also Read: USA Spousal Visa Processing Time 2026: How Long Does It Really Take?
The “Public Charge” and Income Standards
To sponsor your spouse, you must meet the I-864 income rule. For a household of two, it is about $26,000 to $27,000 (125% of HHS poverty guidelines in 2026). Exact numbers change yearly, so check the latest from USCIS or HHS.
New in 2026: Officers may see good English skills as a positive point. It shows the spouse can work and support themselves in the U.S.
If your income is low, you may need a joint sponsor or use assets.
Documentation: Building a “Bona Fide” Evidence Package
To pass checks, including social media review and the interview, show your marriage is real. Do not just use basic papers.
- Traditional Proof Use joint bank statements for at least 6 months, shared rent agreements, and insurance that covers both of you.
- Modern Proof Add shared accounts like Netflix or Spotify history, travel plans together, and copies of text or chat messages.
- Medical Exam Form I-693 medical exam is valid for 2 years now. Get it from a USCIS-approved doctor.
- Certified English Translations Any paper not in English needs a certified translation. Attach it to the original.
Collect strong proof from the start to avoid requests for more evidence (RFE).
Potential Hurdles: The 75-Country Visa Pause
From January 21, 2026, the State Department paused immigrant visa issuances for people from 75 high-risk countries. This includes many nations in Asia, Africa, and others. If your country is on the list, your case may go to extra security checks under INA 221(g). This does not mean denial, but it makes the wait much longer.
Check the State Department website for the full list of countries. If affected, prepare for delays and follow any updates.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for US Spouse Visa 2026
Follow these steps carefully.
- File Form I-130 Online: Use the latest edition (January 20, 2025, or newer).
- Choose Your Path: If your spouse is in the U.S. legally, do adjustment of status. If abroad, choose consular processing.
- Submit the I-864: Show you meet the income level.
- Complete the Medical Exam: Book with an approved doctor or panel physician.
- Attend the Interview: Go to the required in-person interview. Be ready to answer questions about your relationship.
Prepare all papers well and be honest.
FAQ: Marriage Visas in 2026
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Can I still file by mail?
Yes, but fees are higher for paper (I-130 is $675 vs $625 online). You need electronic payment like credit card.
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What if our social media accounts are private?
You must give handles for private accounts too. DHS does not want passwords, but they can see public posts or shared content.
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How do I avoid a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
Use “front-loading.” Send medical exam, financial proof, and all evidence with your first filing. Do not wait for them to ask.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
In 2026, success comes from being open and well-organized. Prepare for digital checks and strong financial proof to move through the system smoothly.
- Check your eligibility first: Do you meet the income rules?
- Stay updated: Visit official sites like uscis.gov and travel.state.gov often.
This guide is for information only. Always check official sources before you decide or file. Rules can change, so get the latest from trusted places.