The CR1 visa is an immediate relative visa for spouses of US citizens, allowing them to immigrate to the United States.
What Are the CR1 Visa Requirements?
To qualify for the CR1 visa, both the US citizen and their spouse must meet specific criteria, as outlined below:
- The US citizen must be at least 21 years old.
- The US citizen must demonstrate financial stability to support their spouse until they are self-sufficient.
- The US citizen must reside in the US and provide a valid US address.
- The spouse must be a foreign national.
- The couple must prove a legitimate marriage through a valid marriage certificate.
Supporting Documents for a CR1 Visa Application
The CR1 visa application must include the following documents:
- A valid passport for the applicant, with at least 6 months of validity beyond the planned date of entry into the United States.
- A signed Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from the U.S. citizen spouse (the petitioner).
- The confirmation page for Form DS-260.
- Medical exam results and vaccination records.
- An official marriage certificate to verify the relationship between the applicant and the U.S. citizen spouse.
- Two passport-style photos of each applicant, following U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Police certificates and any court or criminal records, if applicable.
- Military service records, if the applicant has served in the armed forces.
How to Apply for the CR1 Visa?
The CR1 visa application involves steps for both the US citizen and their spouse. The process consists of two main parts:
- The US citizen files a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Upon petition approval, the spouse applies for the visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country.
The spouse cannot apply for the CR1 visa until the US citizen’s petition is approved.
Filing the Petition for the Spouse
The US citizen must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS, along with required documents and a filing fee. USCIS will notify the petitioner of the petition’s approval or denial. If denied, USCIS will provide reasons, and the petitioner may reapply. If approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which oversees the next steps. The petitioner should direct all inquiries to the NVC.
The NVC reviews the petition and sends the spouse a package containing a case number, invoice ID number, and instructions. These unique numbers identify the applicant during the visa application process.
Applying for the CR1 Visa
The application process typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Submit Form DS-260
The spouse enters their case number to access and complete Form DS-260 online, providing accurate background and personal details. Upon completion, they receive a confirmation page and number to include with supporting documents.
Step 2: Complete Medical Examination and Vaccination
The NVC package includes instructions for required medical tests and vaccinations. The spouse must visit a licensed physician to complete these requirements, obtaining signed documentation to submit with their application.
Step 3: Compile Supporting Documents
The spouse must gather supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility for the CR1 visa. These documents verify that the applicant meets all requirements and strengthen the application.
Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview
The NVC schedules a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate where the spouse is applying. During the interview, officials will ask about the applicant’s background and reasons for immigrating to the US.
Step 5: Receive NVC Packet and Travel to the US
What Happens After the CR1 Visa Interview?
Once the CR1 visa interview is complete, the U.S. Embassy will notify the applicant of the final decision. If the visa is approved, the foreign spouse will receive a sealed immigration package. Do not open this package—it must remain sealed and be presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry into the United States. Only immigration officials are authorized to open and review its contents during your arrival process.