Is your partner an American citizen or a lawful permanent resident? Do you want to relocate to the United States and reside with them? If the answers to these inquiries were affirmative, you may be able to use a CR1 visa to enter the United States. What precisely is a CR1 visa, and who can acquire it? What kinds of documentation are needed? In this post, we’ll learn the answers to all of these queries and more.
What is a CR1 Visa?
An alien who is married to a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and wants to live in the country with their spouse may be granted an immigrant visa called a CR1 visa, sometimes known as an IR1 spousal visa.
CR stands for “conditional resident” in CR1. This is because only marriages of less than two years are eligible for this visa. The IR in IR1 means immediate relative, and couples who have been married for more than two years are eligible to apply for this visa.
What Distinguishes a K3 Visa from a CR1 Visa?
The K3 visa is no longer in use and no longer fulfills the same function that the CR1 does today. Formerly, the K3 visa was a non-immigrant visa that provided entry to spouses of citizens of the United States with the option to later modify their status and apply for a conditional green card.
The CR1 spouse visa now accomplishes all of these goals more quickly and at a cheaper cost. Spouses can obtain a conditional green card right away with the CR1 visa.
Who Qualifies for a CR1 Visa?
It’s vital to note that only your U.S. petitioner may apply for a CR1 visa. Thus, it is crucial that the petitioner:
- Possesses a green card or is a citizen of the United States
- Must be legally wed to the individual for whom this process is being started
- Must fulfill the income requirements for a visa
It is also crucial to note that the most common reason for the denial of a CR1 visa is the lack of sufficient supporting documentation, such as pay stubs and tax records.
Required Documents for a CR1 Visa
Your success rate is based on the accessibility of the necessary paperwork, as it is with any visa application. Here is a list of the principal documents needed:
- Form I-130 so you can petition for your spouse
- Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application
- Resume
- Evidence of matrimony (e.g., a marriage certificate)
- Additional marriage verifications (like a joint bank account)
- Photographs for passports
- Evidence of long-term residence
- Proof that any prior marriages have ended
- Forms for medical examinations
- Statement of support (like Form I-864)
How Can I Obtain a CR1 Visa?
Petitioning is the initial stage in obtaining a CR1 visa. Form I-130 must be completed and submitted to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service).
Your petition is sent to the NVC (National Visa Center) once it has been authorized by the USCIS. After receiving a case number for the petition, you will be required to fill out Form DS-261 and specify your preferred address.
The appropriate payment must be made along with the supplied documentation before processing may begin. You will be given an interview date and time as soon as the NVC declares your file to be finished.
What Is the Price of a CR1 Visa?
The entire government charge is close to $1,200 and consists of $220 for USCIS immigration processing, $535 for USCIS filing, and $445 for NVC. In addition to all of this, you may also need to pay for travel expenses, a medical exam that might cost close to $200, and legal fees if you decide to employ an attorney to handle the process for you.
Visa Processing Time for CR1
Currently, the duration between making the initial application and receiving the visa ranges from 7-10 months. It is crucial to note that the processing time varies according to a variety of factors, including:
The nation that the foreigner is from- The USCIS and NVC’s present workload
- Unexpected occurrences, such as natural disasters
- The truthfulness and thoroughness of the petition you have submitted
Summary
Obtaining a CR1 visa will not only let you remain with your spouse, but it may also make it easier for you to enter the country and apply for a green card. A conditional resident visa is not, however, as easy to obtain as it would seem. Make sure to do the proper actions in the proper manner and, if necessary, seek legal counsel.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and professional staff at Pride Immigration today regarding obtaining a CR1 visa. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Beeraj Patel, Esq.
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