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IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen
United StatesUnited States•North America
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IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

USD $1,355

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Immigrant visa for the spouse of a U.S. citizen. No numerical cap. Immediate relative category.

The IR-1 is a US immigrant visa for the foreign-born spouse of a US citizen. As an immediate relative category, it carries no annual cap, so there is no priority date backlog. Approval grants lawful permanent residence — a Green Card — on admission, with unrestricted work authorization from day one.

Spouses married 2+ years at entry receive a 10-year IR-1 Green Card; those married under 2 years get a 2-year conditional CR-1, with conditions removed later by joint petition. The US citizen sponsor must be 18+, reside in the US, and sign Form I-864. No occupation or education requirement applies to the beneficiary.

This visa is ideal for the legally married foreign spouse of a US citizen who wants permanent residence with immediate work authorization and a clear path to naturalization.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-130 filing fee (USCIS)USD $675
DS-260 processing fee (Dept. of State / NVC)USD $325
Affidavit of Support review fee (Form I-864)USD $120
Medical examination and vaccinations—
USCIS Immigrant Fee (paid before travel)USD $235
Document translations and certified copies—
optional
Travel to interview—
optional
TotalUSD $1,355

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor must be a U.S. citizen with principal U.S. residence

Sponsor must be 18+ to sign Affidavit of Support

Legally wedded spouses only (common-law may qualify depending on country law)

In polygamous situations, only the first spouse qualifies

Same-sex spouses qualify equally

Valid passport (6+ months beyond intended stay)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (valid 6+ months beyond intended stay)

Form DS-260 (completed online)

Two 2×2 passport photos

Affidavit of Support (Form I-864, I-864A, I-864EZ, or I-864W)

Birth certificate

Marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English)

Medical examination forms from panel physician

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Leads directly to lawful permanent residence (Green Card)
  • IR-1 issued if married 2+ years — full 10-year Green Card immediately
  • Immediate Relative category — not subject to annual numerical caps
  • Same-sex spouses qualify equally
  • Full work and travel authorization as a permanent resident

Worth Knowing

  • CR-1 holders (married < 2 years at entry) receive 2-year conditional Green Card and must jointly file to remove conditions within 90 days before 2-year anniversary
  • All fees are non-refundable
  • Do not open the sealed document packet — only U.S. CBP officers may open it
  • USCIS Immigrant Fee must be paid before traveling to the U.S.
  • Processing delays can result from incomplete applications or Affidavit of Support issues
  • Common-law marriage qualification depends on the laws of the country where the relationship was established

Application Process

1

Sponsor files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS

2

USCIS approves petition and forwards to National Visa Center (NVC)

3

NVC assigns case number and requests fees

4

Applicant completes Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online

5

Submit civil documents to NVC (birth certificate, marriage certificate, translations)

6

Undergo medical examination with an authorized panel physician

7

Attend visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

8

Receive immigrant visa (valid 6 months to enter the U.S.)

9

Enter the U.S. — Green Card mailed to U.S. address after lawful admission

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

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