The IRN1 and CR1 are both marriage-based visas. The difference between the two is quite simple: if the couple has been married for less than two years, the foreign spouse is granted a CR1 visa. If the couple has been married for more than two years, the foreign spouse receives the IR1 (immediate relative) visa.
For help with your IR1 or CR1 case, contact attorney Eric Price today. J. Eric Price is nationally known as a “green card lawyer.” Our law firm practices immigration law exclusively. Our dedication and hard work consistently ranks us among the best lawyers in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Houston.
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What Is The IR1 Visa?
The IR1 visa (immediate relative visa) is issued to foreign spouses who have been married to an American citizen for longer than two years.
What Is The CR1 Visa?
The CR1 visa is issued to foreign spouses who have been married to an American citizen for less than two years.
CR1 Requirements
To be eligible for a CR1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Show proof of legal marriage
- The foreign spouse must be at least 18, or they won’t be able to sign the Affidavit of Support (happens later on in the application process)
- Satisfy visa income requirements by submitting tax returns, etc.
IR1 Requirements
To apply for an IR1 visa, the foreign must meet the following criteria:
- Their marriage to the U.S. citizen/permanent resident is legal and provides sufficient evidence to confirm the marriage, like photographs of the wedding or a government-issued marriage certificate.
- The foreign spouse must be marrying a United States citizen. That entails having a valid U.S. address and a financial capacity to support their spouse.
CR1 & IR1 Application Process
The CRI1 and IR1 Visa application processes begin as soon as you file Form-130 and send it to the USCIS. Once your case is approved, it will be sent to the NVC, and you will be assigned a case number. That’s when you will need to send in the Form DS-261 and
- Cover letter
- Proof of marriage
- Passport photos
- Permanent residency papers
- Medical examination forms
- Affidavit of support
Next, you will head to the U.S. Embassy with your above-mentioned documents for an interview.
How Long For CR1 & IR1 To Be Approved?
A marriage-based green card application can take between eight to ten months to be processed and approved. Keep your eye out for any additional requests USCIS may send you. What country you are a native of, how swamped the USCIS and NVC are, and unforeseen events (COVID-19) and natural disasters all affect how long your processing time will be.
How Much Do The IR1 & CR1 Cost?
For both visa applications, you will have to pay a $535 fee for the petition and $325 for Form DS-260. You may also incur additional costs for photocopying and translation.
What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?
If you are denied, your attorney will decide which course of action is the most appropriate. Sometimes you can file a motion to reconsider or reopen your case (make sure you have new evidence), you can seek an appeal from a third party, among other strategies that an experienced immigration attorney will devise to gain your rightful spot in the citizenship line.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
From all of the fees and deadlines to the paperwork and photos— filing a spousal visa is a lot to keep up with. That’s why it’s so important to work with a skilled immigration attorney. Eric Price has guided countless clients through the spousal visa process and helped them secure their piece of the American Dream. Contact Eric Price today for a free case evaluation.
