United States•North America9-18 months
1,980 USD
Indefinite
Yes
Not Required
Not Specified
Available
Allowed
For spouses married less than 2 years at time of admission. Conditional 2-year green card; must file I-751 to remove conditions.
The CR-1 is a US immigrant visa for the foreign-born spouse of a US citizen married less than two years at entry. It grants conditional permanent residence — a 2-year Green Card — on arrival, with unrestricted work authorization from day one and no occupation or education requirements.
To convert to a 10-year Green Card, both spouses must jointly file Form I-751 within the 90-day window before the 2-year expiration, submitting proof of a genuine ongoing marriage. The US citizen sponsor must be 18+, US-domiciled, and meet income requirements via Form I-864. Dual intent is permitted.
This visa is ideal for the foreign spouse of a US citizen in a marriage under two years old who wants immediate US permanent residence, full work rights, and a clear path to a 10-year Green Card.
I-130 Petition Filing Fee (USCIS) - Online filing | 625 USD |
I-130 Petition Filing Fee (USCIS) - Paper filing | 675 USD |
Affidavit of Support Fee (NVC) | 120 USD |
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee (DS-260) | 325 USD |
USCIS Immigrant Fee (paid before travel) | 235 USD |
Medical exam and vaccinations | — |
| Standard (faster consulates) | 9 months – 1.5 years |
| Standard (slower consulates / complex cases) | 1.5 years – 3.0 years |
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old
Petitioner must be domiciled in the United States
Applicant must be legally married to the petitioner (marriage less than 2 years for CR-1)
Common-law spouses may qualify depending on country law
Same-sex spouses eligible
Only the first spouse qualifies in polygamous situations
Petitioner must meet income requirements for Affidavit of Support (I-864)
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended entry date)
Form DS-260 (online immigrant visa application)
Affidavit of Support (I-864 series)
Two 2×2 passport-style photographs
Birth certificate (original or certified copy with translation)
Marriage certificate (original or certified copy with translation)
Medical examination forms from an authorized panel physician
Proof of all required vaccinations
Police certificates from all countries of residence (where required)
Divorce decrees or death certificates for any prior marriages
| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application | Fill online |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA | Fill online |
| I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Petitioner files Form I-130 with USCIS; USCIS approves petition and forwards to the National Visa Ce… | travel.state.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | I-130 Petition Filing Fee (USCIS) - Online filing: 625 USD; I-130 Petition Filing Fee (USCIS) - Pape… | travel.state.gov |
| Fee Breakdown · USCIS Immigrant Fee (paid before travel) · amount | 220 | uscis.gov |
| Fees | $625 (online) or $675 (paper) I-130 filing fee + $120 Affidavit of Support fee + $325 IV processing … | uscis.gov |
| Forms | I-130; DS-260; I-864; I-751 | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · DS-260 · description | Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · I-130 · description | Petition for Alien Relative | uscis.gov |
| Forms · I-751 · description | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | uscis.gov |
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