After I-130 approval for a spouse, the next step depends on whether the spouse is inside the U.S. or abroad. For most cases, it’s either Adjustment of Status if they are in the U.S., or consular processing through the NVC if they are outside the U.S.

If the spouse is in the U.S.

You usually file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident. Supporting forms often include the Affidavit of Support, medical exam, and, if needed, work/travel applications. After that, USCIS typically schedules biometrics and then an interview before making a decision.

If the spouse is outside the U.S.

The approved I-130 is usually sent to the National Visa Center. Next, you pay the fees, submit Form DS-260, file the Affidavit of Support, and upload civil documents, then attend the embassy or consulate interview. If approved, the spouse gets an immigrant visa and enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.

Important timing note

If your spouse is in a family-preference category, they may need to wait until the visa bulletin shows a current priority date before they can move forward. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, this wait is generally not an issue.

Practical next step

A simple way to think about it is:

  1. Check whether the spouse is in the U.S. or abroad.
  2. Follow the matching process: I-485 inside the U.S. or NVC/DS-260 abroad.
  3. Gather civil documents, financial support evidence, and the marriage proof USCIS or NVC will ask for.

If you want, I can also lay this out as a spouse-specific checklist for inside the U.S. or outside the U.S.