CR1 & IR1 Spouse Visa 2026 – Detailed Information

A CR-1 spouse visa (Conditional Resident) and an IR-1 visa (Immediate Relative) are immigrant visas allowing foreign spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to live and work in the United States.

Visa Difference:

The difference lies mainly in the length of the marriage at the time the visa is issued:

• CR-1 Visa: Issued if the couple has been married less than two years at visa approval. This visa is conditional and valid for two years. After arrival, spouses must apply to remove conditions to obtain a full 10-year green card.
• IR-1 Visa: Issued if the couple has been married two years or more at visa approval. This visa grants a 10-year green card immediately without conditions.

Read Also: USCIS Marriage Green Card Rules – Latest Policy Updates

Eligibility:

To qualify:

• The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder).
• The couple must be legally married with a valid marriage certificate.
• The marriage must be bona fide (genuine), with evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared leases, photos, and travel records.
• The sponsor must prove the financial ability to support their spouse at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines using Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

Processing times:

Processing times for both CR-1 and IR-1 visas are generally similar because they both require the Form I-130 petition process and consular processing. Differences depend mostly on individual case circumstances and the service center handling the petition.

As of 2026, the average processing time for Form I-130 is approximately 14 months. For the most current processing times, check the official USCIS Processing Times page.

Cost Breakdown:

Note: Always budget for additional miscellaneous expenses like document procurement and travel to consular appointments.

How to Apply for CR1 & IR1 Spouse Visa 2026?

• File Form I-130:
  The U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor files Form I-130 with USCIS, petitioning for their spouse.
• Wait for Petition Approval:
  USCIS reviews and approves the petition, which can take several months.
• Case Transferred to National Visa Center (NVC):
  Once approved, the case is forwarded to NVC, which collects fees and supporting documents.
• Submit Visa Application (Form DS-260):
  The foreign spouse completes the online immigrant visa application.
• Medical Exam:
  The applicant undergoes a medical examination by an authorized physician.
• Attend Visa Interview:
  The applicant attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. They should bring all required documents, including passports and proof of the genuine marriage.
• Receive Visa and Travel to the U.S.:
  Upon approval, the visa is placed in the passport, valid for 6 months. The spouse can then enter the U.S.
• Receive Green Card:
  After entry, the physical green card is typically mailed within 2-3 months.

Removing Conditions (For CR-1 Visa Holders):

CR-1 visa holders must apply to remove conditions on their residence within 90 days before the 2-year green card expires by filing Form I-751. Failure to timely file can result in loss of permanent resident status.

Applicants should provide proof that their marriage is ongoing and genuine, such as:

• Joint bank account statements
• Birth certificates of children born during the marriage
• Joint property ownership or lease agreements
• Photographs together over time

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incomplete or Missing Documents: Carefully include all required documentation, properly translated if necessary.
• Inconsistent Information: Double-check all forms and evidence for matching names, dates, and details.
• Missed Deadlines: File Form I-751 on time to avoid losing conditional resident status.
• Ignoring Appointment Notices: Attend all interviews and biometrics appointments on schedule.
• Not Monitoring Application Status: Regularly check case status via the USCIS case status tool.
• Failure to Notify USCIS of Address Changes: Report any address changes within 10 days to avoid missing critical communications.

Frequently Asked Questions: