Green Card Spouse Visa Through Jordan A Cost-Effective Way to Reunite in the U.S

Green Card Spouse Visa Through Jordan A Cost-Effective Way to Reunite in the U.S If you’ve won the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and already made your move to the United States, you might now be looking to bring your spouse over to join you. While there are a couple of options available, many couples are discovering that processing the visa through Jordan offers a smarter, more budget-friendly solution with fewer headaches along the way.

What Are Your Options?

When a U.S. Green Card holder wants to sponsor their spouse, there are two main routes:

1. Adjustment of Status (AOS) – From Inside the U.S.

Your spouse enters the U.S. on a tourist or other temporary visa.
You file Form I-485 to adjust their status to permanent resident.
This option can be expensive due to U.S. legal fees and cost of living during the wait.

2. Consular Processing – From Outside the U.S.

Your spouse stays in their home country (or travels to a third country like Jordan).
The visa interview takes place at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Typically more affordable, especially in countries with lower living costs.

Why Jordan Makes Sense for Consular Processing

Jordan is becoming a top choice for couples pursuing family-based immigration — and for good reason.

Lower Overall Costs

Affordable living: Rent, food, and transportation in Jordan cost much less than in the U.S.
Lower legal fees: Immigration attorneys in Jordan typically charge less than U.S.-based ones.
Savings add up: Combining lower legal and living expenses can significantly cut the total cost.

Streamlined Process

Efficient consulate: The U.S. Embassy in Amman handles family reunification cases regularly.
Language support: Many professionals, including embassy staff, speak English fluently.
Experienced network: Jordan has lawyers who specialize in U.S. immigration cases.

Convenient Location

Easily accessible: Jordan is centrally located for those in the Middle East and North Africa.
Safe and stable: It’s a secure country with a solid infrastructure for long stays.
Hospitality and tourism: Comfortable lodging and amenities make it easier to settle in temporarily.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

Phase 1: Start the Process in the U.S.

The sponsoring spouse (the Green Card holder) initiates things from inside the U.S.

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

Submit the petition to USCIS with supporting documents (like your marriage certificate).
Include proof of your Green Card status and pay the required fees.
Processing time: around 12–18 months.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Proof of your relationship (joint accounts, photos, etc.).
Copies of Green Card and marriage certificate.
Financial documentation (like Form I-864 for support).

Phase 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Stage

Once I-130 is approved, it moves to the NVC.

Step 1: Case Creation

NVC assigns a case number and invoice ID.
Pay fees online and submit documents via the NVC portal.

Step 2: Document Review

Upload civil documents (IDs, birth certificates, police clearances).
Provide financial documents (like tax returns and proof of income).
Arrange the required medical exam.

Phase 3: Interview and Processing in Jordan

Step 1: Prep Before You Arrive

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman for specific steps and forms.
Schedule your medical exam with an approved clinic.
Secure temporary housing in Jordan.

Step 2: Documents Needed

Valid passport
Police clearance certificates
Medical exam and vaccine records
Visa-style photos
Financial support proof (Form I-864)

Step 3: The Interview

Schedule your embassy appointment.
Attend biometrics (if required).
Bring all original and translated documents.
Answer questions during the consular interview.

Choosing the Right Immigration Attorney

Getting professional help can make a big difference — especially when dealing with cross-border cases.

What to Look For:

Experience: At least 5 years in family-based immigration and consular processing.
Specialization: Familiarity with Jordan-specific cases is a huge plus.
Language skills: Arabic and English fluency helps avoid miscommunication.
Good reviews: Look for lawyers with a solid reputation and client testimonials.

Where to Find Help in Jordan:

Law firms: Choose ones with offices in Amman or those that specialize in U.S. immigration.
Support services: Use local providers for translations, notarizations, and medical exam coordination.

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Likely Spend

Government Fees:

I-130 filing fee: $535
NVC processing: $325
Visa application: $325
Medical exam: $200–$400
Total: Around $1,385–$1,585

Professional Services:

Lawyer fees: $2,000–$4,000
Document prep: $500–$1,000
Translation: $200–$500

Temporary Living in Jordan (2–3 Months):

Rent: $800–$1,500/month
Food and expenses: $400–$800/month
Transportation: $100–$300/month
Total Living Costs: $2,600–$5,200

Grand Total: $6,485–$12,285

How This Compares to U.S. Processing:

Choosing Jordan can save you 30–50% of the total cost when compared to adjusting status in the U.S. That’s thanks to:

Lower legal and living costs
No need to maintain legal status for your spouse in the U.S. while waiting

Timeline: What to Expect

Average Timeline:

I-130 Approval: 12–18 months
NVC Stage: 3–6 months
Embassy Processing in Jordan: 2–4 months
Total Time: 17–28 months

What Can Affect the Timeline?

USCIS or NVC delays
Missing or incomplete paperwork
Medical exam or embassy appointment availability

Challenges to Watch Out For (And How to Solve Them)

1. Document Authentication

Problem: Getting certified translations or properly notarized paperwork
Fix: Work with attorneys who know Jordan’s document requirements

2. Language Barriers

Problem: Interviews and forms are in English
Fix: Hire bilingual legal help and prepare in advance

3. Meeting Financial Requirements

Problem: Petitioner’s income doesn’t meet the threshold
Fix: Use a joint sponsor or show assets

4. Medical Exam Delays

Problem: Limited appointments with panel physicians
Fix: Book early and confirm all required tests in advance

For Married Couples: Proving It’s Real

To show your marriage is genuine, you’ll need:

Photos from different phases of the relationship
Joint bills, accounts, or leases
Screenshots of chats and call logs
Letters or affidavits from friends and family
Evidence of shared travel or holidays

Note on Cultural Differences:

If you’re applying through Jordan, keep in mind that consular officers there may be more familiar with local marriage customs — which can help when presenting your case.

Final Thoughts & What to Do Next

If you’re a DV Lottery winner and your spouse is waiting abroad, consular processing through Jordan can be one of the most efficient, affordable ways to reunite. With careful planning and the right support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.