IR-1 Visa: Your Pathway to a Permanent Life in the U.S. with Your Spouse
The IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows foreign spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. Unlike other family-based visas, the IR-1 visa has no annual cap, ensuring a streamlined immigration process for eligible applicants (married for at least 2 years).
Why Choose the IR-1 Visa?
Permanent Residency
Live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. with a Green Card.
No Visa Quotas
No waiting list; applications are processed as soon as they are submitted.
Work Authorization
Work eligibility is automatically received upon Green Card approval.
Path to Citizenship
Apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of marriage-based residency.
How to Apply for an IR-1 Visa
File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen spouse must submit Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a valid marital relationship.
USCIS Processing & Approval
Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC assigns a case number and requests additional documents.
Submit Visa Application (DS-260) & Pay Fees
The foreign spouse completes Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and pays the required processing fees.
Medical Exam & Interview
The foreign spouse must undergo a medical examination with an approved physician and attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry
If approved, the foreign spouse receives an IR-1 visa and can travel to the U.S. Upon entry, they will receive their Green Card, granting them permanent residency.
IR-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IR-1 visa, the following conditions must be met:
Valid Marriage
Must be legally married to a U.S. citizen (common-law partnerships do not qualify).
U.S. Citizenship of Sponsor:
The petitioning spouse must be a U.S. citizen (not a Green Card holder).
Bona Fide Marriage
Must provide evidence of a genuine marital relationship, including photos, joint financial records, and affidavits from family and friends.
Financial Support
The U.S. citizen spouse must meet income requirements or provide a joint sponsor via Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).
No Criminal or Immigration Violations
The foreign spouse must pass background checks and medical screenin
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Required Documents for the IR-1 Visa
- Valid passport of the foreign spouse
- Marriage certificate proving a legal marriage
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioning spouse (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate)
- Form I-130 approval notice from USCIS
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) proving financial capability
- Medical examination results from a USCIS-approved physician
- Police clearance certificate from countries of past residence
- Evidence of a bona fide marriage (joint assets, photos, communication records)
Processing Time for the IR-1 Visa
The processing time for the IR-1 visa varies but typically takes 8 to 14 months, depending on:
- USCIS processing speed
- NVC document review time
- U.S. Embassy interview scheduling
Since there is no visa cap, applicants do not face waiting lists like other family-based categories.