Spouse Visa Guide

How to Apply for a CR1 or IR1 Spouse Visa

Learn the step-by-step process for applying for a CR1 or IR1 spouse visa, from filing the I-130 petition through National Visa Center processing, the medical exam, the embassy interview, and arrival in the United States.

Get the Spouse Visa Checklist
Take the Visa Eligibility Quiz

Process Overview

How the Spouse Visa Application Process Works

A CR1 or IR1 spouse visa allows the husband or wife of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States as a permanent resident. Most cases move through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the National Visa Center, and a U.S. embassy or consulate before final approval.

For a visual overview of the process, watch
Fred Wahl explain how to apply for a CR1 spouse visa.
Couples who want a clearer picture of the support and preparation involved can also review
the 12 steps VisaCoach follows to help spouse visa couples.

Step 1

Confirm Spouse Visa Eligibility

Before filing, confirm that the marriage is legally valid, the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and the couple can provide evidence that the marriage is genuine.

Check the Basic Requirements

Review the eligibility rules, marriage requirements, petitioner qualifications, and other issues that can affect a spouse visa case.

Review the spouse visa requirements

Step 2

File Form I-130 With USCIS

The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse begins the case by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The petition establishes the qualifying marital relationship.

Common Supporting Documents

  • Marriage certificate
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence
  • Passport-style photographs
  • Proof that any prior marriages legally ended
  • Evidence of a genuine marital relationship

See examples of useful spouse visa evidence.

Step 3

Wait for USCIS Review

USCIS reviews the petition and supporting documents. If evidence is missing, inconsistent, or unclear, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence.

Be Prepared for Follow-Up Requests

A complete and well-organized filing can reduce the risk of avoidable delays, although USCIS may still request additional information.

Learn about spouse visa RFEs and denials

Keep Your Spouse Visa Case Organized

Use a clear checklist to track forms, relationship evidence, financial documents, civil records, medical requirements, and interview preparation.

Get the Spouse Visa Checklist
Take the Visa Eligibility Quiz

Step 4

Complete National Visa Center Processing

After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is generally transferred to the National Visa Center. The NVC collects fees, civil documents, the immigrant visa application, and financial support documents.

  • Pay the required NVC fees
  • Complete and submit Form DS-260
  • Upload the required civil documents
  • Submit the Affidavit of Support and financial evidence

Read the spouse visa Affidavit of Support guide.

Step 5

Complete the Medical Examination

Before the interview, the foreign spouse must complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician. The exam normally includes a medical history review, vaccination review, physical examination, and any required testing.

Learn what to expect at the spouse visa medical exam.

Step 6

Attend the U.S. Embassy Interview

At the interview, a consular officer reviews the application, relationship evidence, financial documents, civil records, and possible admissibility issues. The officer may ask questions about the marriage, relationship history, and the couple’s future plans.

Review common spouse visa interview questions.

Step 7

Receive Approval and Enter the United States

If the visa is approved, the foreign spouse can use the immigrant visa to travel to the United States. Upon admission, the spouse becomes a lawful permanent resident.

A spouse married for less than two years at the time of admission generally receives conditional resident status. A spouse married for at least two years generally enters with IR1 status.

See what happens after spouse visa approval.

More Help

More Help for Your Spouse Visa Journey

Use these related guides to prepare each stage of your case and understand the decisions ahead.

Spouse Visa Costs

See the government fees and other common expenses couples should plan for.

Ready to Prepare Your Spouse Visa Case?

Start with a clear understanding of the process, organize your documents carefully, and prepare each stage before it arrives.

Get the Spouse Visa Checklist
Take the Visa Eligibility Quiz