United States•North AmericaCR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen
At a Glance
9 months – 3.0 years
Varies by processing route
USD $1,980
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
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.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| Standard (faster consulates) | 9 months – 1.5 years |
| Standard (slower consulates / complex cases) | 1.5–3.0 years |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
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 qualifying
Only the first spouse qualifies in polygamous situations
Petitioner must meet income requirements for Affidavit of Support (I-864)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
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
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Grants conditional permanent residence upon entry — no separate adjustment required
- Full, unrestricted work authorization immediately upon entry
- No annual numerical cap (immediate relative category)
- Path to unconditional permanent residence via I-751 after 2 years
- Qualifying to apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years as spouse of U.S. citizen
- Dependent children may be included on the same petition
Worth Knowing
- Conditions on residence must be removed within 90 days before 2-year anniversary or status is lost
- Overall process typically takes 12–36 months; no guaranteed timeline
- Petitioner must meet income threshold (125% of federal poverty guideline) for Affidavit of Support
- Do not open sealed document packet before presenting it at U.S. port of entry
- Visa is valid for 6 months from issuance; do not book final travel until visa is in hand
- Misrepresentation or fraud results in permanent non-qualification
- Applicant must review the 'Rights and Protections' pamphlet before interview
Application Process
Petitioner files Form I-130 with USCIS
USCIS approves petition and forwards to the National Visa Center (NVC)
NVC assigns case number and requests fees and supporting documents
Applicant completes Form DS-260 online and submits civil documents to NVC
NVC reviews documents and schedules consular interview
Applicant completes medical examination with an authorized panel physician
Applicant attends interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
If approved, pay USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the U.S.
Enter the U.S. at port of entry; conditional green card mailed after admission
File I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions) within 90 days before 2-year anniversary
Application Forms
| 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 |
Related visas
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Family visas in other countries
- Private and Family Life Residence Permit (Carte de séjour vie privée et familiale)
France
- Residence Permit for Family Member
Netherlands
- Medical Attendant Visa
Antigua and Barbuda
Living in United States
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