The desire to wed someone from another nation is not unusual among US citizens. When a citizen of the United States chooses to marry a foreigner, the location of their future home becomes a concern. Numerous people decide to travel to the United States, and spouse visas enable them to do so.

CR-1 Visa
Couples who recently got married have the chance to reunite in the US thanks to the CR1 visa. The foreign spouse must maintain their marriage for at least two years in order to maintain their immigrant status under the terms of this conditional resident spouse visa, which is intended to ensure the validity of the union.

IR-1 Visa
Couples can switch to the IR1 visa, which offers a more permanent status without the 2-year validity limit, after two years of marriage. We'll go over the prerequisites and application process for both CR1 and IR1 visas in this introduction to assist you in navigating the path to cohabitation in the US.

In order to be eligible,

• The sponsoring spouse must have a legal US address and be a US citizen.
• The couple must be legally wed and have official documentation to prove it.
• The couple must both want to live together in the US.
• Make sure that the sponsoring spouse can assist the foreign spouse financially.
• The foreign spouse is required to undergo the required medical tests and vaccinations in accordance with US regulations.

Gather the following documents while applying for a spouse visa US;

• Passports that are valid for at least six months beyond the desired arrival date into the US for each spouse.
• The sponsoring spouse must be a US citizen. Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) must be submitted.
• The foreign spouse completed Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application).
• Each person must submit two passport-sized photos that comply with US visa photo requirements.
• Documentation pertaining to the marriage, such as a marriage licence, wedding pictures, honeymoon logs, and payment receipts.
• Civil records, including both spouses' birth certificates, can be translated if necessary.
• A medical examination and immunisation records administered by a doctor on the approved panel.
• A financial capacity declaration from the supporting spouse in the form of an affidavit of support (Form I-864 or I-864EZ).
• Police clearance certificates or court and criminal histories, if needed.
• Any additional documents specified by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the US Embassy or Consulate where the visa interview will be held.

It takes several steps to apply for a CR1 or IR1 visa in the United States. These visas offer a mechanism for spouses of US citizens to cohabitate in the country and are intended for them. But before starting the application process, you must know the visa processing time and apply accordingly.

Visa Processing Time
Usually, it takes 8 to 12 months to process one of these visas. It's important to remember that this timeline is merely an estimate. For updates on processing times, applicants should frequently check the websites of the USCIS and the US Embassy or Consulate. They should also be ready for possible variances in processing periods.

How to Apply
Given below is the step-by-step process to apply for a Spouse visa for US citizens;

• File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
• USCIS reviews and approves the I-130 petition.
• The case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• Complete Form DS-261 and pay the required fees.
• Attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country.

Duration
Although holders of CR1 and IR1 visas enjoy comparable rights and advantages, their application processes differ. While the IR1 is a permanent marriage green card with a 10-year validity period, the CR1 is a conditional marriage green card with a 2-year validity period.

Fees
There are numerous parts to the payments for CR1 and IR1 visas. These typically include fees for submitting the Form I-130 petition (535 USD), processing the Form DS-260 (325 USD), paying for the medical exam and vaccinations (which might vary), and other costs.

Can the CR1 or IR1 visa be extended?
These visas cannot be renewed, sorry. They are meant to serve as a route towards permanent residence.

What distinguishes a CR1 visa from an IR1 visa?
For the CR1 Conditional Resident Spouse Visa to remain valid, two years of marriage are necessary. An immediate relative spouse visa (IR1) has no deadlines.

Is there a minimum income requirement for the US citizen sponsor?
Yes, the US citizen sponsor must satisfy certain income standards and submit a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support to prove that they can support the immigrant spouse.