Immigration Law: What is a CR-1/IR-1 visa?

A CR-1 or IR-1 visa is an immigrant visa for a spouse of a U.S. Citizen who is currently residing abroad. The term “CR” stands for “conditional resident” and is issued to foreign spouses who have been married for two years or less. By contrast, the term “IR” stands for “immediate relative” and is issued to foreign spouses who have been married for more than two years. Those who receive a CR-1 visa will eventually receive a two-year conditional green card after entering the U.S., while those who receive an IR-1 visa will receive a ten-year green card (with no condition).

The first step to apply for a CR-1/IR-1 visa is for the U.S. Citizen spouse to file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign spouse. This petition initiates the immigration process to the United States. Once Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, the petition is transferred to the National Visa Center for pre-processing. At the National Visa Center stage, the applicant must complete the immigrant visa application and provide civil documentation. After sending all required documents to the National Visa Center, the NVC will forward the case to the U.S. Embassy near the foreign spouse and the applicant will wait to be scheduled for an Embassy interview. The Embassy interview is often a make it or break moment for couples who must prove that they have a “bona fide” marriage to be approved for their visa.

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