CR-1 / IR-1

Spousal
Immigrant Visa

The CR-1 (Conditional Resident) and IR-1 (Immediate Relative) immigrant visas allow the foreign national spouse of a US citizen to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. The spouse enters with green card status — no separate adjustment of status required after arrival.

Automate CR-1/IR-1 workflows
Quick facts
FormsI-130 → NVC → DS-260
CR-1Marriage under 2 years (conditional)
IR-1Marriage 2+ years (full residency)
PetitionerUS citizen only
Visa numberAlways available (immediate relative)
Total timeline12–24 months (typical)
I-130 fee$675

Automate your
CR-1/IR-1 case workflow

Astrea tracks every stage from I-130 filing through NVC processing to consular interview — organizing bona fide marriage evidence, I-864 financial documentation, and DS-260 submission packages.

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What is the CR-1/IR-1 visa?

The CR-1 and IR-1 are immigrant visa categories for the foreign national spouses of US citizens living abroad. Unlike the K-1 fiancé visa (which requires marriage after entry and then I-485 adjustment), the CR-1/IR-1 process results in the beneficiary entering the United States already as a lawful permanent resident. The distinction between CR-1 and IR-1 is based solely on the length of the marriage at the time of visa issuance: if the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the beneficiary receives a CR-1 (conditional resident, 2-year green card); if married for 2+ years, they receive a full 10-year IR-1 green card. CR-1 holders must file I-751 before their 2-year conditional green card expires to remove conditions.

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Bona Fide Marriage
The marriage must be legally valid and entered in good faith — not solely to obtain an immigration benefit. USCIS and consular officers scrutinize the bona fides of the marriage through evidence of shared life: photos, communication records, joint accounts, property, and affidavits.
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US Citizen Petitioner
Only US citizens can petition for a spouse as an immediate relative. LPRs may petition for their spouse, but the case proceeds under family preference category F2A — which is subject to annual numerical limits and a longer wait.
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Financial Support Required
The US citizen petitioner must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) demonstrating income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size. If the petitioner cannot meet this threshold, a joint sponsor may be used.

How the CR-1/IR-1 process works

01
File Form I-130 with USCIS
The US citizen petitioner files I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. Spouse-of-USC cases are immediate relative — no annual limit applies and a visa number is always available. Include marriage certificate, divorce decrees if applicable, and proof of US citizenship.
02
National Visa Center (NVC) processing
After USCIS approves the I-130, the case transfers to the NVC. The NVC collects fees, civil documents, and the DS-260 immigrant visa application online. NVC processing typically takes 2–6 months. NVC issues a case number and interview appointment once the file is complete.
03
Medical examination abroad
The beneficiary completes a medical examination with a US government-designated physician in their home country. The sealed medical results are brought to or sent directly to the consular interview. Certain vaccinations are required.
04
Consular interview at US Embassy
The beneficiary attends an immigrant visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. The officer reviews the bona fides of the marriage, the financial support documentation (I-864), and the beneficiary's admissibility. Most straightforward cases are approved at the interview.
05
Entry to the US and green card receipt
The beneficiary enters the US with the immigrant visa stamp (which serves as temporary evidence of LPR status). The physical green card is mailed to the US address within 2–3 months. CR-1 holders must file I-751 before the 2-year card expires.

CR-1/IR-1 FAQ

What is the difference between CR-1 and K-1?

The K-1 fiancé visa allows the foreign national to enter the US before marriage and requires the couple to marry within 90 days, then file I-485 to adjust status inside the US. The CR-1/IR-1 requires the couple to already be married and results in the beneficiary entering the US as a lawful permanent resident — skipping the I-485 step entirely. CR-1/IR-1 takes longer but results in immediate green card status upon entry. See State Department family immigration guidance.

What happens if the couple divorces after the CR-1 green card is issued?

If the marriage ends before the CR-1 holder files I-751 to remove conditions, the beneficiary may file for a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on divorce, abuse, or extreme hardship. A bona fide marriage waiver requires demonstrating that the original marriage was entered in good faith and not for immigration purposes — even if the couple ultimately divorced.

Can the US citizen petitioner live abroad during the process?

Yes, but the petitioner must demonstrate that they intend to domicile in the United States — they must intend to establish a home in the US before or at the time the beneficiary immigrates. Petitioners living abroad can satisfy this by showing a plan to return (maintaining US ties, having a US address, or moving concurrently with the beneficiary).

How long does the CR-1/IR-1 process take?

Total processing time is typically 12–24 months: USCIS I-130 processing (5–12 months) + NVC processing (2–6 months) + consular appointment scheduling and interview. Timelines vary by country and USCIS service center. Certain countries (e.g., those under Presidential Proclamation travel restrictions) may experience additional delays. Check current USCIS processing times.