What is a CR-1/IR-1 visa?
The CR-1/IR-1 visas are immigrant visas issued by the United States for spouses of U.S. citizens who are seeking to immigrate to the United States. These visa categories are designed to facilitate the reunification of married couples by allowing the foreign spouse to join their U.S. citizen spouse as a lawful permanent resident. The key difference between the CR-1 and IR-1 visas lies in the timing of the marriage.
- CR-1 Visa (Conditional Resident):
- The CR-1 visa is intended for spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years at the time of the visa application.
- The “CR” stands for “Conditional Resident,” indicating that the foreign spouse will initially receive a conditional green card that is valid for two years. To remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card, the couple must jointly file a petition to remove conditions within the 90-day period before the conditional green card expires.
- IR-1 Visa (Immediate Relative):
- The IR-1 visa is intended for spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for two years or more at the time of the visa application.
- The “IR” stands for “Immediate Relative,” indicating that the foreign spouse will receive a full permanent green card upon entry to the United States. There is no need to file a petition to remove conditions because the permanent residency status is granted outright.
Both the CR-1 and IR-1 visas allow the foreign spouse to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. The application process involves submitting a petition (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) by the U.S. citizen spouse to establish the marital relationship and initiate the immigration process. Once the petition is approved, the foreign spouse can apply for the CR-1 or IR-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
The CR-1 and IR-1 visa categories fall under the Immediate Relative visa classification, which means that there is no numerical limitation on the number of visas that can be issued each year. This often results in faster processing times compared to other family-sponsored visa categories.
It’s important to consult the official U.S. Department of State website or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the CR-1 and IR-1 visa application process and eligibility requirements.
How to apply for a CR-1/IR-1 visa?
Applying for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- File Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative:
- The U.S. citizen spouse (petitioner) must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the marital relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign spouse.
- USCIS Approval:
- Once the Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, the petitioner will receive an approval notice. This notice indicates that the marital relationship has been established and that the foreign spouse is eligible to immigrate to the U.S.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:
- After USCIS approves the Form I-130, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will assign a case number and provide instructions for submitting required fees and documents.
- Pay Fees and Submit Documents:
- The NVC will provide instructions for paying the immigrant visa fees and submitting required documents, including the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), civil documents (such as birth certificates and marriage certificates), police clearance certificates, and more.
- Attend Medical Examination:
- The foreign spouse will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician in their home country. The results of the medical examination will be sent directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Attend Visa Interview:
- The foreign spouse will attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The interview is conducted to verify the authenticity of the marital relationship and assess the eligibility of the foreign spouse.
- Visa Issuance:
- If the visa is approved, the foreign spouse will receive the CR-1 or IR-1 visa in their passport. The visa allows the foreign spouse to travel to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- Entry to the U.S.:
- Once the foreign spouse arrives in the U.S., they will go through the immigration inspection process at the port of entry. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine if the foreign spouse meets the entry requirements and will grant admission as a lawful permanent resident.
- Receive Green Card:
- After entering the U.S., the foreign spouse will receive a green card (Permanent Resident Card) in the mail, which officially grants them the status of a lawful permanent resident.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate where the foreign spouse applies. It’s recommended to review the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate where you will be applying and to consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, keeping in mind that immigration policies and procedures can change, consulting the official USCIS website or the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information is crucial.
How much does a CR-1/IR-1 visa cost?
The cost of a CR-1 or IR-1 visa can vary based on different factors, such as the fees associated with each step of the application process, the country where you are applying, and any additional services or documents required. Here’s a breakdown of the main fees you can expect when applying for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The initial step in the process is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of September 2021, the filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing Fee: After USCIS approves the Form I-130, the case is sent to the NVC for processing. The NVC processing fee for an immigrant visa application is $325 as of September 2021.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) Fee: The U.S. citizen petitioner must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate their financial ability to support the foreign spouse. There is no specific fee for filing Form I-864, but the petitioner’s financial documents will be reviewed as part of the process thebirdsworld.
- Medical Examination and Vaccination Costs: The foreign spouse will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician in their home country. The cost of the medical examination and any required vaccinations can vary based on the location and the physician’s fees.
- Visa Application Fee: The visa application fee is paid directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate where the foreign spouse applies for the visa. As of September 2021, the visa application fee for an immigrant visa is $325.
- Other Miscellaneous Costs: Depending on your situation and the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate, there might be additional costs for document translations, police clearance certificates, photos, and other services.
It’s important to note that these fees can change over time, and it’s recommended to check the official U.S. Department of State website or the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for the most up-to-date fee information. Additionally, the USCIS occasionally updates its fee schedule, so it’s wise to review the USCIS Fee Calculator or consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you have the correct fee amounts before submitting your CR-1 or IR-1 visa application infosportsworld.
