IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of U.S. Citizen
🇺🇸 United States visas · Family
What it is
Immediate-relative immigrant visa for the foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen. CR-1 is issued when the marriage is less than 2 years old; IR-1 when 2+ years old. There is no annual numerical cap.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Permanent residence (Green Card); CR-1 conditional for 2 years
- Processing time
- 18 months
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- How to apply
- Embassy
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- USD 325
Key requirements
- U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 petition
- Valid, bona fide marriage recognized in the place of celebration
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) demonstrating financial sponsorship
- Medical exam and police certificates
- Consular interview at U.S. embassy/consulate abroad
Working on this visa
Lawful permanent residents are authorized to be employed without restrictions as to location or type of employment (8 CFR 274a.12(a)(1)).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 1 August 2026.