CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa (Marriage Green Card)

Trusted Chicago IR-1/CR-1 Visa Attorneys

The immigration process in the U.S. is complex, and we know how important it is to get a spouse visa for your loved one. The passionate IR1 and CR1 visa lawyers at SimVisa are intimately familiar with every aspect of the visa application process and are dedicated to guiding you with clarity and care.

Whether you have been married longer than two years and need an IR1 visa or have just recently tied the knot and need a CR1 visa, SimVisa is ready to help you comply with the application process requirements and get you or your partner the immigrant visa.

We represent clients in Chicago and nationwide!

What Is an IR-1/CR-1 Visa?

The IR-1/CR-1 visa is an immigrant visa awarded to spouses of U.S. citizens or U.S. green card holders. It allows these individuals to legally enter the U.S. and settle with their spouses.

Also known as a marriage green card, the visa is specifically intended for foreigners who wish to permanently live in the United States and become permanent residents. This visa is not subject to yearly caps because it is an immediate relative visa.

What Is the Difference Between the IR1 and CR1 Visa?

While both the IR1 and the CR1 visas are meant for married couples, the difference between the two is a matter of time and conditions. For couples who have been married for more than two years, the IR1 visa is the appropriate choice, and the recipient would have zero conditions attached to their visa besides renewing it every 10 years.

On the other hand, if a couple has been married for less than two years, they would need the CR1 visa, which is conditional and expires after two years. After it expires, the couple would then petition to have the conditions removed and apply for an IR1.

Who Is Eligible for CR-1/IR-1 Visas?

CR-1/IR-1 visas are intended for foreign nationals who are legally married to United States citizens or green card holders.

To obtain one of these marriage visas, the couple must:

• Demonstrate that marriage is a bona fide marriage and not one entered into solely to obtain a visa.
• Demonstrate that the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse can financially support their foreign national spouse.
• File the application with a joint sponsor if the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse does not have the financial ability to support their spouse on their own.

CR-1/IR-1 Visa Process

The CR1 and IR1 visa process is in-depth and requires strict adherence to immigration rules and regulations for anyone desiring to become a legal permanent resident.

The principal steps in the process include:

• Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, by the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse: This step can be accomplished electronically or with a paper application. In general, these petitions are filed within the United States.
• National Visa Center processing: Once a petition is approved by the USCIS, the National Visa Center will take over and ask the green card holder or U.S. citizen spouse to submit Form DS-261, which could take up to three weeks to process. Afterward, Form DS-260 must be filed, which is the principal visa application, as well as an affidavit of support, which demonstrates that the U.S.-based spouse can support the applicant financially.
• Medical exam and fingerprinting: The applicant must undergo a medical exam by a qualified medical professional and submit to fingerprinting. Although it is not a pass-fail test, there are certain conditions that may make a person ineligible for admission as a lawful permanent resident based on health reasons, such as drug abuse or addiction and failure to show proof of required vaccines.
• Consular interview: During this critical marriage visa interview, the USCIS will seek to ensure that your marriage is not to acquire immigration benefits. Hence, it is important to prepare by making sure that you and your spouse concur on the fundamental facts of your marriage. You will also need to bring certain documents, including your medical examination results and a valid marriage certificate.

During the process, the USCIS will be working to verify that your marriage is bona fide and legal by using the documents and evidence you submit.

How Can Our Lawyers Help with Your CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa?

Working with SimVisa is straightforward and stress-free.

1. Contact Us to Discuss Your Case

We familiarize ourselves with the details of your situation through a short quiz.

2. We Send a Payment Link

If you decide to proceed with our services, we will send you a payment link. Once payment is received, we will schedule a more in-depth discussion of your case.

3. You Upload Evidence

You’ll need to provide documentation like joint bank statements, marriage photos, and proof of financial ability.

4. We Review the Documents and Complete the USCIS Form

We will review your documents for completeness and compliance and use them to complete the USCIS form.

5. We Send the Form to the Client for Signing

Once the document is complete, we will send it back to you for signing.

6. We Send Documents to USCIS and Wait for Approval

Once signed, we send the form directly to the USCIS and wait for approval.

Update Your Immigration Status with SimVisa

Update your immigration status and come one step closer to reuniting with your loved one in the U.S. The skilled team at SimVisa is here to guide you through every detail of the spouse visa application process, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate.

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