🇺🇸 CR-1 / IR-1 Immigrant Visa for Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Category: Family · Processing time: 12–18 months end-to-end
⚡ Quick Answer
CR-1/IR-1 lets the spouse of a U.S. citizen become a permanent resident on entry. Naturalisation is possible after 3 years.
Visa record in MigrantIQ database.
Apply through official authority
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Family
Processing time
12–18 months end-to-end
Fees
NvcFee: USD 325 + USD 120 affidavit-of-support fee
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
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Overview
Permanent immigrant visa for the spouse of a U.S. citizen, granting lawful permanent residence (green card) on entry to the United States.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
- Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
- Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required
Estimated Costs
- - NvcFee: USD 325 + USD 120 affidavit-of-support fee
- - I130Fee: USD 535
- - Medical: Variable by panel physician
Required Documents
- - Form I-130 filed by U.S.-citizen spouse
- - Marriage certificate
- - Both passports / birth certificates
- - Proof of bona fide marriage (joint accounts, photos, leases)
- - Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
- - Police clearances and panel-physician medical
Application Steps
- U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 with USCIS
- After approval, case is sent to National Visa Center (NVC)
- Submit DS-260 immigrant visa application and civil documents
- Complete Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Attend medical exam and consular interview
- Receive immigrant visa, travel, and become permanent resident on entry
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Permanent resident status on entry
- - Right to live and work anywhere in U.S.
- - Path to U.S. citizenship after 3 years
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Housing Contract and Deposit Rules
Housing · Severity: Medium
Rental contracts in United States may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages for long-term housing.
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in United States depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission automatically extends your lawful stay.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in United States for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for United States, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter United States, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border checks.
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for United States through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processing.
Scammers advertise fake apartments in United States, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for CR-1 / IR-1 Spouse Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistani citizens in the UK must complete Form DS-160, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy. Required documents include a valid passport, visa application confirmation, and financial proof. Rules may change, so check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific guidance.
Pakistani citizens need a valid passport, completed DS-160 form, visa fee payment, and a visa interview appointment. Supporting documents include proof of ties to Pakistan, financial stability, and purpose of visit. Rules can change, so check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific decisions.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Pakistan for stays up to 30 days. However, rules can change, and it's essential to check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific decisions regarding travel and visa requirements.
Pakistani citizens applying for a CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa must submit Form I-130, proof of marriage, and undergo a medical exam. They also need to provide police certificates and financial support documents. Visa requirements can change, so check official sources or consult licensed advisors for case-specific decisions.
Pakistani citizens can apply for the CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa to join a U.S. citizen spouse. The process involves filing a petition, attending an interview, and meeting eligibility requirements. Visa rules can change, so consult official sources or licensed immigration advisors for case-specific guidance.