The IR-1 spouse visa is an immigrant visa that allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. This visa is specifically for couples who are married to U.S. citizens and have been married for more than two years, qualifying them for im-mediate relative status. The application process begins with the U.S. citizen spouse filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of this petition is to establish the validity of the marriage and the eligibility of the foreign spouse for immigration benefits. Once USCIS approves the petition, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
After the NVC receives the approved petition, the next step in the process is submitting the nec-essary forms and documents, including Form DS-260, the immigrant visa application, and re-quired civil documents such as birth certificates and police records. The foreign spouse must also undergo a medical examination by an approved physician to ensure they meet health require-ments. Additionally, the foreign spouse will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During this interview, a consular officer will review the docu-ments, ask questions about the marriage, and determine if the applicant is eligible for the visa.
If the interview is successful, the IR-1 spouse visa is issued, allowing the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. Upon arrival, the spouse will receive their Green Card in the mail. It is important to note that if the couple has been married for less than two years at the time of visa approval, the foreign spouse may be granted a CR-1 visa, which has similar benefits but requires additional steps to remove conditional residency. Throughout the application process, it is crucial to ensure all forms and supporting documents are correctly completed and submitted to avoid delays or denials. Legal guidance can help streamline the process and ensure a successful outcome.
