U.S. Citizens Abroad: Direct Filing a Spousal Sponsorship Case at a U.S. Consular Post

For a U.S. citizen married to a foreign national, sponsoring their spouse for permanent residency (a green card) is an exciting but often lengthy process. Family unity is a priority for the U.S. government, but processing delays can mean extended separation between spouses.

How Can a U.S. Citizen Living Abroad Expedite a Spousal Sponsorship Case?

Generally, there are two main ways to speed up the process:

1. If the case is filed stateside with USCIS, a request for expedited processing can be submitted with supporting documentation outlining the urgent need. 
2. For eligible couples, a direct filing request at a local U.S. consular post may be a faster alternative to obtain a green card.

While expedited requests with USCIS are well-known, many U.S. citizens living abroad are unaware that direct filing could significantly shorten processing times. For those who qualify, the entire green card process can be reduced from approximately 18 months to as little as 3 months, depending on specific circumstances.

What Is Direct Filing for a Green Card?

Direct filing allows a U.S. consular post to handle an entire spousal sponsorship case locally, rather than requiring the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative to be processed through USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC). If a direct filing request is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate:

• Adjudicates the I-130 petition directly (instead of waiting for USCIS processing).
• Processes the spouse’s immigrant visa application locally, avoiding NVC delays.

By keeping the entire case at the consular post, the timeline for obtaining permanent residency is significantly reduced.

Who Is Eligible for Direct Filing?

Not every couple qualifies for direct consular filing. While individual U.S. consular posts may have specific procedural requirements, general eligibility includes:

• The U.S. citizen spouse must be living outside the United States.
• The couple must not already have an I-130 petition pending with USCIS.
• There must be a valid reason for requesting direct filing.

Although the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has discretion to approve direct filing requests, most approvals are based on the reasons outlined in the USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 6, Part B, Chapter 3).

The most common qualifying reason is a short-notice job transfer or job offer requiring the U.S. citizen spouse to return to the United States. The job offer or transfer must be for the U.S. citizen, not the foreign spouse.

If eligible, the U.S. citizen spouse can submit a direct filing request following the specific instructions for their local U.S. consular post. If approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will oversee the entire process from start to finish.

Why Work with an Experienced U.S. Immigration Lawyer?

Because direct filing requests are discretionary and not guaranteed, it is critical to properly structure the request to avoid delays or denials. Working with an experienced U.S. visa lawyer ensures that all procedural steps are followed correctly.

The Barella Global Advantage

At Barella Global, our U.S. immigration lawyers regularly represent U.S. citizens residing in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and throughout Europe with direct filing requests. With offices in London and Brussels, we are well-positioned to assist clients filing through the U.S. Embassy in London, the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, and other major U.S. consular posts in Europe.

Our team has extensive experience securing green cards for the foreign spouses of U.S. citizens living abroad, maximizing the likelihood of the smoothest and fastest possible processing.

Schedule a Consultation

To determine whether direct filing is an option for your case, contact our office to arrange a consultation. You can also book an appointment through our online scheduling platform.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Barella Global or any of its attorneys. Every immigration case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer before making any legal decisions. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but immigration laws and policies are subject to change. Barella Global is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from reliance on this content.

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