IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of U.S. Citizen Visa

Apply for IR1 and CR1 visas

The IR-1/CR-1 visa is an immigrant visa granted to the official spouse of a US citizen. IR-1 (Immediate Relative) is intended for couples who have been married for more than two years (you may also come across the term "IR1-spouse of united states citizen"). The second subcategory is for those whose marriage has lasted less than two years, that's what is a CR1 spousal visa. Both visas allow you to legally enter the United States and obtain a Green Card upon arrival. But it is worth considering what is the difference between CR1 and IR1.
Unlike temporary visas that require additional steps on the way to permanent status, CR1 IR1 conditional resident spouse of US citizen is an ideal option for long-term family reunification.

IR1 and CR1 spouse visa: requirements

As with all visa categories, there are certain requirements for obtaining a CR1 conditional IR1 spouse of US citizen:

1. 
   the applicant is the official spouse of a US citizen: this can be either a subcategory of IR1 or CR1 conditional spouse of US citizen;
2. the marriage is documented (marriage certificate): this is a mandatory CR1 conditions;
3. proof of the "reality of the relationship" is provided - photos, joint trips, correspondence, bills: also in the case of conditional IR1 spouse of us citizen, and with CR1;
4. the US citizen assumes financial responsibility (Form I-864)
5. the sponsor's income requirements are met.

In this process, the CR1 IR1 difference is not important - it is worth understanding that it is necessary to submit a package of documents to USCIS, and then to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing before the interview.

How to apply for an IR-1/CR-1 visa?

In order to understand how long does the IR1/CR1 visa process take, you need to familiarize yourself with the stages of the procedure: first, a US citizen submits Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to the USCIS. After its approval, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), where the applicant submits additional documents, including the DS-260 form (online immigrant visa application).

Key documents for the submission stage:

• 
  Form I-130 and proof of relationship;
• copies of passports, marriage certificates;
• income documents;
• photos, correspondence, tickets for traveling together
• Depending on the workload of the USCIS and NVC, the entire process can take from 12 to 20 months.

CR1 or IP-1 spouse of a U.S. citizen - it doesn't matter, the list of documents is the same in any case.

Support when obtaining an IR-1/CR-1 visa: how we help

The legal marketplace "Consultant" offers full legal support for couples seeking to reunite in the USA. We:

• advise on what is IR1 CR1 visa, what are the requirements for obtaining it, the general procedure, etc.
• check the completeness of the package of documents;
• help with evidence of the reality of the marriage;
• support at all stages - from the petition to the interview;
• prepare for an interview at the US Embassy;
• minimize the risk of refusals.

Our specialists work with cases of any complexity - from standard situations to more complex applications, such as CR1 conditional green card.

Advantages of IR-1/CR-1 Visa over other types

Unlike temporary visas (e.g. K-1 for fiancés), the IR-1/CR-1 visa grants the right to permanent residence in the United States without the need to reapply. The holder of this visa receives a Green Card upon arrival in the United States, which significantly shortens the path to citizenship. It is worth considering that if you have already received a green card through marriage, but not in the USA, then you need a CR6 spouse of a U.S. citizen. conditional.