IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card
For the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States.
The IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card is a US family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee (or US$1,440 I-485 if adjusting)) and processing time (~12-18 months (varies by service center and consulate)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card is for
For the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States.
Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen.
IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card - eligibility criteria
- Be legally married to a US citizen
- US citizen files Form I-130 petition
- Provide evidence of a bona fide marriage
- Sponsor meets income (Affidavit of Support) requirements
- Be admissible to the United States
IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card (United States) is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee (or US$1,440 I-485 if adjusting), with an indicative processing time of ~12-18 months (varies by service center and consulate). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (CR-1 conditional if married under 2 years; IR-1 if over 2 years) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee (or US$1,440 I-485 if adjusting) |
| Processing time | ~12-18 months (varies by service center and consulate) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen.
Many applicants also compare K-1 · K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa, IR-5 · IR-5 Parent of US Citizen Green Card, Green Card · Adjustment of Status (Green Card in the US). Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card pitfalls we fix
IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card cost?
The IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card government fee is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee (or US$1,440 I-485 if adjusting). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12-18 months (varies by service center and consulate). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen.
Can I work on the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card?
For the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority