File jointly if my wife was not in the US during 2021?

Hey Guys. I can't seem to find an answer to this exact question online. Maybe people here can comment on it. 

I am a resident alien for tax purposes and got married in 2021 outside the states. My spouse did not enter the US till 2022. Can i still file jointly? From what I could find on the internet, it seems like i can since i was legally married on the last day of 2021. 

 

Assuming that's the case, my spouse does not have an SSN/ITIN. Can someone comment on what the chances are of getting an appointment for her W7 document verification in the next few days? We are traveling soon and can't send her passport to the IRS. I realize that the answer to this question will depend on a lot of factors but just an estimate would help. We are in Texas if that helps. 

 

Thanks for your help!