CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa Guide
Complete guide to bringing your spouse to the USA permanently. Marriage-based green card process, requirements, timeline, and success strategies for 2025.
CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa Overview
What are CR-1/IR-1 Visas? The CR-1 (Conditional Resident) and IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visas are immigrant visas that allow foreign spouses of U.S. citizens to enter the United States as permanent residents. Unlike the K-1 fiancé visa, these visas are for couples who are already legally married.
Key Difference: The main distinction is the length of marriage at the time of green card approval. CR-1 applies to marriages under 2 years (conditional residence), while IR-1 applies to marriages of 2+ years (immediate permanent residence).
Major Advantage: Unlike K-1 visa holders, CR-1/IR-1 visa recipients receive their green card immediately upon entry to the U.S., can work immediately without additional applications, and have full permanent resident rights from day one.
Who Can Apply: U.S. citizens can petition for their foreign spouse regardless of where the marriage took place. The marriage must be legally valid and recognized, and both parties must have been free to marry at the time of the ceremony.
🗓️ Complete Process Timeline
File I-130 Petition
U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS, including evidence of valid marriage and relationship.
Processing: 8-33 monthsNVC Processing
After USCIS approval, case transfers to National Visa Center (NVC) for document review, fee payment, and interview scheduling.
Processing: 2-4 monthsMedical Examination
Foreign spouse completes medical examination with panel physician approved by U.S. embassy/consulate in their home country.
Duration: 1-2 weeksConsular Interview
Foreign spouse attends interview at U.S. embassy/consulate. If approved, receives immigrant visa packet for U.S. entry.
Wait Time: 1-6 monthsU.S. Entry & Green Card
Foreign spouse enters U.S. with immigrant visa, becomes permanent resident upon entry. Physical green card arrives by mail.
Card Arrival: 2-4 weeksConditions Removal (CR-1 only)
If CR-1, must file I-751 to remove conditions within 90 days before 2-year anniversary of permanent residence.
File: Before 2-year markEligibility Requirements
U.S. Citizen Petitioner
- Must be U.S. citizen (not permanent resident)
- Must be legally married to foreign spouse
- Must meet income requirements (125% of poverty guidelines)
- Must be willing to sign Affidavit of Support (I-864)
Valid Marriage
- Legal marriage ceremony performed
- Both parties free to marry at time of ceremony
- Marriage recognized in country where performed
- Bona fide marriage (not solely for immigration)
Foreign Spouse
- Must be admissible to the United States
- Must pass medical examination
- Must have clean criminal background
- Must attend consular interview
Financial Requirements
- Household income 125% above poverty level
- Joint sponsor if income insufficient
- Assets can substitute for income shortfall
- Must file tax returns for recent years
📄 Required Documents Checklist
📋 USCIS Forms & Petitions
- Form I-130 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
- Filing fees and payments
💕 Marriage Evidence
- Certified marriage certificate
- Wedding photos and ceremony evidence
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint lease/mortgage documents
🆔 Identity Documents
- U.S. citizen’s birth certificate or passport
- Foreign spouse’s passport and birth certificate
- Divorce decrees (if previously married)
- Death certificates (if widow/widower)
💰 Financial Evidence
- Tax returns (3 most recent years)
- Employment verification letter
- Pay stubs (6 months recent)
- Bank statements and asset documentation
🏥 Medical & Background
- Medical examination (Form I-693 or equivalent)
- Vaccination records
- Police certificates from all countries lived
- Military records (if applicable)
📸 Photos & Supporting
- Passport-style photos (both spouses)
- Relationship photos throughout marriage
- Communication records (emails, calls)
- Travel records and visits
⚖️ CR-1/IR-1 vs K-1 Comparison
| Factor | CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa | K-1 Fiancé Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Status | Already married | Engaged, must marry within 90 days |
| Processing Time | 12-24 months total | 8-12 months to visa + adjustment |
| Work Authorization | Immediate work authorization upon entry | Must apply for work permit after arrival |
| Green Card | Immediate permanent residence | Must apply for adjustment of status |
| Travel Outside U.S. | Can travel freely as permanent resident | Requires advance parole during adjustment |
| Total Cost | $1,760-$2,000 | $2,025-$2,500+ (including adjustment) |
| Medical Exam | Overseas with panel physician | In U.S. with civil surgeon |
| Best For | Couples already married, long-term planning | Couples wanting to marry in U.S. |
💡 Key Advantage: Immediate Benefits
Unlike K-1 visa holders, CR-1/IR-1 visa recipients become permanent residents immediately upon entering the United States. This means immediate work authorization, no need for adjustment of status applications, freedom to travel internationally, and full green card benefits from day one. While the initial process may take longer, the overall timeline to permanent residence is often faster and more cost-effective than the K-1 route.
💡 Success Strategy Tips
🏛️ Official Government Resources
💕 Start Your Spousal Visa Journey
Ready to bring your spouse to the United States permanently? Use our comprehensive tools and guides to navigate the CR-1/IR-1 process successfully.