The CR1 visa is a US immigrant visa for foreign spouses of American citizens, allowing them to enter the United States as lawful permanent residents. It is granted after the couple is legally married and the US citizen files Form I-130 to petition for their spouse. Once approved and processed through the National Visa Center and a US embassy interview, the foreign spouse receives a visa to enter the US, where they are issued a conditional green card valid for two years. Unlike the K1 visa, the CR1 grants permanent resident status immediately upon entry.
-Must be legally married to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
-Marriage must be valid and bona fide (not for immigration purposes)
-Sponsor must be domiciled in the US or planning to return.
This must be filed by the US Citizen/LPR spouse with the USCIS.
This folder will include a signed and dated I-130 and a I-130A. Aswell as:
-Form G-1145 (for email and text notifications)
-Filing fee - $535 (check or money order to the US Department of Homeland Security).
-Proof of US Citizenship (Copy of US Passport or Birth Certificate, Certificate of citizenship).
-Proof of Marriage in the form of a marriage certificate.
-Proof of relationship, photos together, travel records/I-94, joint bank accounts, mail or other shared life evidence.
-Previous marriage termination documents (divorce decrees or death certificates).
-Passport-Style Photos. One of the US petitioner (labelled) and one of foreign spouse (labelled).
One the I-130 Filing packet has been received at your chosen USCIS processing centre you will receive a NOA1 (Notice of receipt).
Once your petition has been approved you will then receive a NOA 2 (Notice of approval).
After USCIS approval (NOA2), the case is sent to the National Visa Centre.
The NVC will assign a case number and send both spouses a "Welcome Letter".
You must then submit and pay the Immigration Visa, Form DS-260 ($325), the Affidavit of support, Form I-864 ($120).
You must also submit other civil documents again such as birth certificates, passport, police certificates and marriage certificates.
The NVC will then review all the submitted documents and if accepted they will schedule an embassy interview.
You will receive an email or letter with the interview date and instructions.
You will need to schedule and attend your medical exam at an embassy approved clinic before your interview. Find an approved civil surgeon here.
Attend the interview with all your required and previously submitted, confirmation documents. Bring originals if applicable.
Be honest and prepared to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage.
You must hand you passport over to the consulate and if approved the consulate officer keeps your passport.
Your passport will be returned to you within a few days (5-10 business days) with the CR1 Visa inside.
You must enter the US before the Visa expires (6 months after issuing).
You become a conditional permanent resident (CR1 Status) upon entering.
A green card will be mailed within a few weeks.
Your green card will usually arrive within 2-4 weeks after entering the US.
After two years, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions on your green card.