US CR1/IR1 Spouse Visa Guide: How to Bring Your Husband or Wife to America in 2025

Reuniting with your spouse in the United States is a dream for many couples. This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about the CR1 and IR1 spouse visas, from eligibility and application steps to post-approval life in the US. Whether your marriage is recent or long-standing, understanding this process can help you secure a Green Card for your loved one.

CR1 vs. IR1 Visa Explained

The CR1 and IR1 visas both lead to permanent residency in the US for foreign spouses. The difference lies in how long you’ve been married at the time of visa approval or entry.

CR1 Visa (Conditional Resident)

• Who it’s for: Couples married less than two years at the time of visa approval or US entry.

• Outcome: Grants a two-year conditional Green Card.

  CHECK MORE:

  • Immigrant Jobs In USA – Work In USA 2026
  • How to Apply for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery…
  • USA Golden Visa for Immigrants – Visa Sponsorship in…
  • Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Scotland 2026: Earn £24,000…
  • Germany Construction Jobs with Visa Sponsorship –…

• Next Step: File Form I-751 within 90 days before expiration to remove conditions and get a 10-year Green Card.

• Warning: Failure to file leads to status loss and possible removal.

IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative)

• Who it’s for: Couples married two years or more at approval or US entry.

• Outcome: Grants a 10-year unconditional Green Card, renewable without additional filings.

Key Takeaway

Your marriage length determines which visa you’ll receive. The CR1/IR1 application process is the same, but the Green Card issued will vary.

Who Can Be a US Sponsor?

To petition for a foreign spouse, the sponsor must meet these key requirements:

• Status: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder. Citizens enjoy faster processing as they aren’t subject to visa caps.

• Domicile: Must live in the US or show intent to return (e.g., lease, job offer, financial ties).

• Income: Must earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for their household size, verified via Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). For active-duty military, only 100% of the FPG is required.

If income falls short, assets or a joint sponsor can help meet the threshold.

---

Foreign Spouse (Beneficiary) Requirements

To qualify for a CR1 or IR1 visa, the foreign spouse must meet the following:

• Legal Marriage: Your marriage must be legally valid in the country it took place and recognized under US law.

• Genuine Relationship: Prove the marriage is real through evidence like shared finances, photos, or communication logs.

• Admissibility: The spouse must not be barred due to criminal history, prior immigration violations, or health conditions. Waivers may apply for certain issues.

CR1/IR1 Visa Application Process

The application is completed in several steps through both USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• Filed by: The US citizen or LPR sponsor.

• Purpose: Establishes a valid marital relationship.

• Required Documents:

  • Proof of US citizenship or Green Card

  • Marriage certificate

  • Proof of prior marriage termination (if applicable)

  • Photos, chats, joint accounts as evidence of relationship

• Fee: Refer to uscis.gov for the latest amount.

• Outcome: Receipt notice, approval, denial, or RFE (Request for Evidence).

Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

• Case Transfer: Once I-130 is approved, the case moves to the NVC.

• Payments: Immigrant Visa Application Fee + Affidavit of Support Fee (via CEAC).

• Forms to Submit:

  • Form I-864: Sponsor’s financial proof

  • Form DS-260: Immigrant visa application (completed by spouse)

  • Civil Documents: Birth certificate, passport, police clearance, etc.

• Review: Case is marked “documentarily qualified” when all is complete.

Step 3: Consular Interview

• Location: US embassy or consulate in the spouse’s home country.

• Interview Topics: Relationship details, sponsor info, marriage legitimacy.

• Tip: Bring all documents and updated evidence of a bona fide marriage.

Step 4: Medical Examination

• Performed by: Embassy-approved panel physician.

• Goal: Confirm the spouse is free from communicable diseases and meets vaccination requirements.

• Result: Sealed envelope sent to the embassy or brought to the interview.

Step 5: Visa Issuance and Entry to the US

• Visa Granted: If approved, the spouse receives their visa and a sealed immigration packet.

• USCIS Immigrant Fee: Must be paid online before traveling to the US.

• Entry: Spouse enters within six months and is admitted as a permanent resident. Green Card is mailed afterward.

Form I-864: Affidavit of Support

This form ensures the foreign spouse won’t become a public charge:

• Income Requirement: Sponsor must meet 125% of the federal poverty level.

• Alternatives:

  • Assets: Must equal 5x the income gap (3x if married to a citizen).

  • Joint Sponsor: Another qualified US resident can help.

  • Household Member: Use Form I-864A to combine incomes.

Visa Interview Preparation Tips

To succeed in the interview, bring:

• Passport

• DS-260 confirmation

• Medical results

• Interview letter

• Original and copy of civil documents

• Form I-864 and supporting evidence

• Updated relationship proof (photos, chats, receipts)

Common Questions Include:

• How and when did you meet?

• What do you know about your spouse’s daily life?

• What are your future plans as a couple in the US?

Pro Tips:

• Be honest and clear.

• Keep documents well-organized.

• Practice calmly answering personal questions.

After Visa Approval: Life in the US

Once your spouse enters the US:

• CR1 holders: Must file Form I-751 to remove conditions on their Green Card within 90 days before expiry.

• IR1 holders: Receive a full 10-year Green Card, renewable without conditions.

Both can live and work immediately after arrival.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

• Request for Evidence (RFE): Always respond quickly with detailed documentation.

• Administrative Delays: May involve background checks. Monitor your case via CEAC.

• Weak Marriage Evidence: Submit strong proof like joint leases, travel records, photos.

• Inadmissibility: May require a legal waiver. Consider hiring an immigration attorney.

• Backlogs: Expect delays and plan accordingly (e.g., arrange short-term accommodation abroad).

Job Opportunities After Arrival (Salary Estimates)

Your spouse can work in the US upon arrival. Common job roles and salaries include:

• Data Analyst – $65,000–$110,000

• Civil Engineer – $70,000–$120,000

• Web Developer – $60,000–$115,000

• Accountant – $55,000–$95,000

• Cashier – $25,000–$40,000

• Housekeeper – $28,000–$45,000

• Delivery Driver – $35,000–$60,000

• Grocery Staff – $25,000–$80,000

• Dog Walker (gig-based) – $25,000–$45,000

Top Tips for a Smooth Visa Journey

• Start Early: Begin the process 12–18 months before your desired move.

• Stay Organized: Keep digital and paper copies of all documents.

• Track Your Case: Use CEAC and USCIS tools to monitor progress.

• Save Ahead: Budget $2,000–$5,000 for application, travel, and settlement.

• Use Professional Help: Hire an attorney if your case involves complications.

Conclusion: Start Building Your Life Together in the US

The US CR1/IR1 Spouse Visa Guide: How to Bring Your Husband or Wife to America in 2025 breaks down a complex immigration process into manageable steps. With accurate documents, timely responses, and proof of genuine marriage, couples can successfully reunite and build a future in the United States.

Visit uscis.gov and travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date details and forms.