Who the CR-1/IR-1 is for
#- Spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Applicants with a documented, bona fide marriage
- Couples planning to immigrate through consular processing
Official guidance to review
#The State Department and USCIS outline petition steps, DS-260 processing, and interview preparation.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Form I-130 petition filed by the U.S. sponsor
- Relationship evidence and civil documents
- DS-260 immigrant visa application
- Medical exam and consular interview
Documents and evidence
#Expect civil documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates) and evidence showing a bona fide relationship. Requirements vary by case and consular post.
U.S. documents checklistMarriage-based immigrant visa overviewStep-by-step overview
#- U.S. sponsor files Form I-130 with USCIS.
- National Visa Center (NVC) processing and DS-260 completion.
- Medical exam and consular interview.
- Travel to the U.S. and receive a green card after entry.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#Fees include USCIS petition filing fees and Department of State visa fees.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#USCIS petition processing and consular interview availability affect timelines.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting incomplete relationship evidence
- Inconsistent timelines or missing civil documents
- Not following NVC or consular post instructions
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Do I need an I-130 petition for a spouse immigrant visa?
Yes. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident typically files Form I-130 to start the spouse immigrant visa process.
Is DS-260 required?
Yes. Spouse immigrant visa applicants complete DS-260 during National Visa Center processing before the interview.
Does a CR-1/IR-1 lead to a green card?
Yes. After entry, immigrants receive a green card. CR-1 is conditional residence for newer marriages, and IR-1 is immediate relative residence for longer marriages.
Is an affidavit of support required?
Yes. The U.S. sponsor typically submits Form I-864 with financial evidence during National Visa Center processing.
Can I work immediately after entry?
Yes. As a lawful permanent resident, you can work after entry; the immigrant visa serves as temporary proof of residence until the physical green card arrives.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- Immigrant visas for a spouse (Department of State)
- Family immigration (Department of State)
- Immigrant visas overview (Department of State)
- Family of U.S. citizens (USCIS)
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS)
- DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Department of State)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
- USCIS processing times tool
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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