US CR1/IR1 Spouse Visa Guide: How to Find Love, Marry and Move to America in 2025
Reuniting with your spouse in the United States is a dream many couples share. Whether your relationship started online or in-person, the US spouse visa allows you to legally marry, move, and settle in the US. This 2025 guide explains the process for the CR1 and IR1 spouse visas, step-by-step, and how you can use love to build a permanent future in America.
CR1 vs. IR1 Visa Explained
There are two types of spousal visas: CR1 and IR1. The visa you receive depends on the length of your marriage at the time of visa approval or your arrival in the United States.
CR1 Visa (Conditional Resident)
- For couples married less than two years.
- Grants a two-year conditional Green Card.
- You must file Form I-751 to remove conditions before the card expires.
IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative)
- For couples married two years or more.
- Grants a 10-year permanent Green Card with no conditions.
Key Point: The CR1 and IR1 use the same application process, but the Green Card duration depends on your marriage length.
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Who Can Sponsor a Spouse to the US?
To sponsor a spouse, you must meet the following:
- Status: You must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Income: You must earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you’re in the military, 100% is enough.
- Domicile: You must live in the US or show you plan to return before your spouse immigrates.
If your income is low, you can include assets or find a joint sponsor to meet the income requirement.
Foreign Spouse Requirements
As the spouse applying to move to the US, you must:
- Be in a legally valid marriage recognized by US law.
- Prove the relationship is genuine through photos, chats, travel, and financial documents.
- Be admissible to the US. You must not have a serious criminal record, immigration bans, or infectious diseases.
CR1/IR1 Visa Application Process
Step 1: File Form I-130
The US citizen or Green Card holder starts by filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This proves your relationship is real.
Documents Needed:
- Proof of US citizenship or Green Card
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce or death certificates if you had prior marriages
- Photos, call logs, travel records, and joint finances
The fee must be paid to USCIS. After submission, you will receive a receipt notice. Approval can take months, and if more proof is needed, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once Form I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the NVC.
At this stage:
- Pay the immigrant visa and affidavit of support fees.
- Submit Form DS-260 (immigrant visa application) and Form I-864 (financial support).
- Send civil documents: passport, police certificates, birth certificate, marriage certificate.
Once complete, your case becomes “documentarily qualified” and moves to the next stage.
Step 3: Medical Exam
The foreign spouse must complete a medical exam with an approved doctor in their country. This checks for communicable diseases and verifies required vaccinations.
You’ll receive a sealed envelope with the results. Do not open it; submit it at your interview.
Step 4: Consular Interview
This is the final step before approval. The interview takes place at the US embassy or consulate.
What to bring:
- Passport
- DS-260 confirmation page
- Medical exam results
- Original civil documents
- Form I-864 and financial evidence
- Photos and communication records
The visa officer will ask questions about your relationship and background. Be honest, clear, and confident.
Step 5: Visa Issuance and Travel
If the interview goes well, your visa will be placed in your passport. You’ll also receive a sealed envelope to present at the US port of entry.
Before traveling, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online. Once in the US, your Green Card will be mailed to your address.
What Is Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)?
Form I-864 proves your US spouse can financially support you. They must earn at least 125% of the poverty guideline.
If they don’t earn enough, they can:
- Use assets worth 5 times the shortfall
- Get a joint sponsor
- Combine household income with Form I-864A
Preparing for the Visa Interview
This is the most important part of the process. Here are tips to prepare:
- Know your partner well. Be ready for personal questions.
- Bring updated documents, especially recent photos or conversations.
- Practice answers to common questions without memorizing scripts.
- Dress professionally and be respectful.
Common Questions Include:
- How did you meet your spouse?
- What do they do for a living?
- What are your future plans as a couple?
After the Visa: Life in the US
Once in the US, your Green Card arrives by mail. You can immediately begin living, working, and enjoying life with your spouse.
- CR1 holders must file Form I-751 within 90 days before their Green Card expires to remove conditions.
- IR1 holders receive a full 10-year Green Card, renewable as needed.
Job Opportunities After Arrival
Once you enter the US, you are authorized to work. Here are some common entry-level jobs and their average salaries:
- Cashier: $25,000–$40,000
- Housekeeper: $28,000–$45,000
- Delivery Driver: $35,000–$60,000
- Grocery Staff: $25,000–$80,000
- Dog Walker (gig-based): $25,000–$45,000
- Customer Service Rep: $35,000–$50,000
With skills or a degree, higher-paying roles become available:
- Data Analyst: $65,000–$110,000
- Web Developer: $60,000–$115,000
- Civil Engineer: $70,000–$120,000
- Accountant: $55,000–$95,000
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Delays: Use CEAC and USCIS tools to monitor your case and respond quickly to RFEs.
- Weak relationship proof: Gather updated chats, receipts, and travel history.
- Inadmissibility: Legal waivers may be available. Consult an immigration lawyer if necessary.
Here is what you can do now,
- Start the process early — it can take 12 to 18 months.
- Keep copies of everything — digital and paper.
- Budget between $2,000 and $5,000 for fees and travel.
- Consider hiring a professional if your case is complex.
The CR1/IR1 spouse visa is one of the most secure ways to reunite with your partner and build a future in the United States. The process takes time, patience, and documentation, but with love and preparation, couples around the world have successfully made it work. Visit uscis.gov and travel.state.gov for official updates and forms. 2025 may be your year to move abroad with your loved one.
Disclaimer: We are not a recruitment agency and do not directly offer jobs. Our goal is to share helpful news and opportunities from verified sources. Always do your own research before applying.