How Direct Consular Filing Can Speed Up a Marriage Green Card

Every love story deserves to unfold without years of waiting apart. For many couples, however, the long timelines of the spouse visa process can feel discouraging. Standard green card cases often stretch 18 to 24 months, leaving partners separated across borders. The good news is that there is a faster path available for some couples: Direct Consular Filing, which can bring couples together in as little as four months.

What Is Direct Consular Filing?

The typical marriage-based green card journey involves three different U.S. government agencies, multiple applications, and an interview. Because each step happens at a different office, the wait times pile up. For many couples, the process takes close to two years before they can finally be together in the United States. Direct Consular Filing, or DCF, condenses the entire green card process into one U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. Instead of three steps with long waits in between, everything happens in a single location, making the process significantly faster.

Who Can Apply for Direct Consular Filing?

Eligibility for DCF is specific. The U.S. citizen and their spouse must be living together abroad, and the embassy or consulate in that country must accept these filings. This allows the process to be completed directly overseas instead of through multiple government offices in the U.S. Couples must also demonstrate an exceptional circumstance. Common reasons include medical emergencies, military relocations, or a sudden job transfer back to the United States. Many couples are surprised to learn that unique personal situations may also qualify, especially with the right legal guidance to present their case.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

For couples who qualify, Direct Consular Filing can be life-changing. Instead of waiting two years, spouses may be reunited in just a few months. This faster track not only saves time but also eases the emotional burden of long-distance separation. Understanding the requirements for Direct Consular Filing can be confusing, especially when trying to determine if your situation counts as an exceptional circumstance. An experienced immigration attorney can help couples uncover creative solutions and guide them through the process with confidence. Immigration for Couples is dedicated exclusively to helping partners navigate the U.S. immigration system, and has helped many couples achieve approval in record time. If you and your spouse dream of being together sooner, now is the perfect moment to explore whether DCF could be the key. Reach out to us today and we’d be honored to guide you through this process.