How to Apply for a CR1 Spouse Visa Step-by-Step Guide

I’m Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach. In this video, I’m going to walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a CR1 Spouse Visa to bring your husband or wife to the USA.

If you’re in love, separated by miles, and ready to start your life together in the United States, you’re in the right place.

Overview of the CR1 Spouse Visa Journey

USCIS Review: The spouse visa application is submitted inside the USA to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

NVC Processing: Once USCIS completes its review, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center.

Consulate Processing: Once NVC completes its work, the case is sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the in-person interview and visa issuance.

Entry to USA: With visa and passport in hand, your partner travels to the USA and begins permanent residence after entry.

Step 1: Prepare and Submit Petition to USCIS

Your petition is based on USCIS Forms I-130 and I-130A. VisaCoach prepares a physical, front-loaded petition package designed to go beyond minimum requirements by including forms, affidavits, required documents, carefully selected evidence, and a personal love story statement.

Step 2: Background Checks and Approval

USCIS reviews the application for completeness and eligibility, conducts background checks, and forwards the approved petition to the National Visa Center.

Step 3: NVC Fee Payment and Document Submission

At NVC, applicants pay fees, submit the Affidavit of Support and financial evidence, and upload civil documents such as birth, marriage, divorce, and police clearance records.

Step 4: Embassy Interview Preparation

After the case is documentarily qualified, NVC works with the U.S. consulate to schedule the interview. The spouse completes the medical exam and prepares documents for the interview.

Step 5: The Consulate Interview

The consular officer must be convinced that the marriage is real. A strong, front-loaded petition helps present the relationship clearly before the interview begins.

Step 6: Arrival in the USA and Green Card Activation

Once your spouse arrives in the United States, permanent residence begins. The green card is mailed to the U.S. address after entry.

Step 7: Removal of Conditions

If the green card is conditional, the couple must later file to remove conditions and convert it to a 10-year permanent green card.

Step 8: U.S. Citizenship

After the required period of permanent residence, your spouse may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.