For couples filing a new I-130 (CR-1) petition, realistic timelines are longer than K-1 cases because the process involves immigrant visa steps rather than a fiancé visa. In straightforward cases, you can expect about 12–18 months from filing to visa issuance.

USCIS processing is still the main bottleneck. I-130 petitions are currently taking 7–12 months, depending on the service center, completeness of the filing, and any requests for additional evidence (RFEs). After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which can take another 2–4 months to process and schedule document submission. Finally, once the embassy schedules the interview, visa issuance typically adds 1–3 months, though local conditions can extend this. Across forums and visa trackers, most couples report total timelines of 12–18 months for a smooth case, with delays increasing if RFEs, administrative processing, or backlogs occur.

Country-specific examples:

Philippines (Manila):
I-130 processing is currently around 7–11 months, and NVC processing can take 2–3 months. Once the case reaches Manila, interview scheduling is slower than many other posts, often taking 2–4 months, with occasional delays for medical exams or document issues. A realistic total timeline for Manila is 13–18 months.

Brazil (Rio de Janeiro):
I-130 processing is similar (7–12 months), but the Rio embassy tends to be more efficient. NVC document review is usually 1–2 months, and interviews are often scheduled within 1–2 months after the case is ready. A realistic total timeline for Brazil is 12–15 months.

Reality check:

CR-1 cases are slower than K-1s because the process is designed for permanent immigration rather than a temporary entry. USCIS remains the main constraint, but embassy location adds additional variation: Manila moves more slowly, while posts like Rio tend to be quicker once the case reaches them