- Permanent residency
CR1 Spouse Visa
At Altius Immigration Law, we understand the joy and excitement of marrying your soulmate, regardless of where they call home.
If you’re a U.S. citizen married to a foreign national, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the CR1 spouse visa process and bring your beloved spouse to the United States to begin your married life together.
Key Points to Know About the CR1 Spouse Visa
The CR1 spouse visa, also known as the Conditional Resident visa, is an immigrant visa that allows the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen to enter the United States as a conditional permanent resident.
To be eligible for a CR1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- The sponsoring spouse must be a US citizen.
- The couple must be legally married.
- The marriage must be bona fide, meaning it was entered into for love and not solely for immigration purposes.
- The foreign spouse must not be inadmissible to the United States based on criminal, health, or other grounds.
Upon entry to the US, the foreign spouse will be granted conditional permanent residence, which is valid for two years. After two years, the couple must file a joint petition to remove the conditions and obtain full lawful permanent residence for the foreign spouse.
K1 vs. CR1 Visa: What’s the Difference?
When bringing your foreign spouse or fiancé(e) to the United States, you have two primary options: the CR1 Spouse Visa or the K1 Fiancé(e) Visa. The CR1 visa is for couples who are already married, while the K1 visa is for engaged couples who plan to marry in the US
One key difference is the timeline. With a CR1 visa, your spouse can enter the US as a permanent resident, receiving their Green Card soon after arrival.
The K1 visa, on the other hand, allows your fiancé(e) to enter the US, but you must marry within 90 days, and then your spouse must apply for adjustment of status to receive a Green Card. The choice between these two visas depends on your specific circumstances and priorities.
Why Choose Altius Immigration Law for Your CR1 Visa Case?
The CR1 visa process is a multi-step process, but we’re here to simplify things and support you along the way.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
★ Experience You Can Trust: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing CR1 visas. We’ve helped countless couples successfully get through this process, and we’re ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you.
★ Personalized Strategies: Every couple’s journey to marital bliss is different. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals and concerns, and craft a tailored legal strategy that fits your specific needs.
★ Step-by-Step Guidance: From the initial petition to the final green card application, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll help you gather the necessary documents, prepare for interviews, and navigate any obstacles that may arise.
★ Compassionate Support: The immigration process can be stressful and emotional, especially when you’re eager to start your life together. That’s why we offer not just legal guidance, but also the emotional support and encouragement you need during this exciting time.
The CR1 Visa Process: Steps to Reunite with Your Spouse
The CR1 visa process typically involves the following steps:
- File the I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS to establish the marital relationship.
- Petition Approval and NVC Processing: If the I-130 petition is approved, USCIS forwards it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. The NVC will request additional documents, including the Affidavit of Support, and assign a case number.
- Consular Processing: The NVC sends the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate where the foreign spouse will apply for the CR1 visa. The spouse will need to submit the online DS-260 immigrant visa application, attend a medical examination, and participate in a visa interview.
- Visa Issuance and Entry: If the visa is approved, the foreign spouse can enter the U.S. and will be granted conditional permanent residence for two years.
- Removing Conditions: 90 days before the two-year anniversary of the foreign spouse’s entry, the couple must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to obtain full lawful permanent residence for the foreign spouse.
Throughout this process, our attorneys will be right by your side, smoothing out any bumps in the road.
Begin Your CR1 Journey with Altius Immigration Law
If you’re ready to take the first step towards reuniting with your spouse and building your married life together in the United States, contact Altius Immigration Law today.
Don’t spend another day separated from your beloved spouse. Call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and let us be your partners in making your dreams of a happy married life in the United States a reality.
Check out the benefits of the family green card and immigrating to the USA
The Benefits of the Family-Based Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card through family sponsorship to the USA brings a number of benefits for you and your loved ones:
Family reunion
With a family sponsorship visa, you can build a life together with your family in the United States, strengthening bonds and creating unforgettable memories.
Access to opportunities
The United States offers a wide range of educational, professional, and other opportunities. With a family sponsorship green card, you can take advantage of these benefits.
In addition, the United States is known for its diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming and receptive environment for people from different backgrounds and cultures. Regardless of where you come from, there is a community for everyone, which makes it easy to adapt and feel at home.
What’s more, the country is renowned for its excellence in various sectors, such as technology, medicine, research, and entrepreneurship, which means you’ll have access to some of the best career opportunities in the world. Whatever your area of interest, the United States offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
Security and stability
The United States is known for its solid legal system and quality infrastructure. By obtaining a family sponsorship green card, you and your loved ones can enjoy security and stability in a new country.
The United States offers many educational opportunities for its citizens. With a family sponsorship green card, your children will have access to a quality education, from elementary school to higher education. Educational institutions in the United States are recognized worldwide for their academic excellence and offer a wide variety of courses and study programs.
Cultural diversity is also an attractive aspect of the United States. By moving to the country on a family sponsorship green card, you will have the opportunity to experience a unique mix of cultures, traditions and experiences. From the vibrant arts and music scene to the internationally renowned cuisine, the United States offers a plethora of possibilities to explore and appreciate different cultures.
In addition, the USA is known for its job opportunities and entrepreneurship. With a family sponsorship green card, you’ll be able to pursue new career opportunities or even start your own business. The country offers a favorable environment for professional and economic growth, enabling you and your family to achieve your goals and prosper in a new country.
- Altius Immigration Law
Simplified Family Sponsorship Green Card Process
At Altius, we are committed to facilitating the process of obtaining your Family-based Green Card. Our team will help you with
1. Initial assessment
2. Collecting documents
3. Preparing the application forms and evidences
4. Preparing for the interview
Read the details of each step below
Your CR1 Visa Questions, Answered
The timeline can vary depending on the processing times for the I-130 petition and the NVC, as well as the workload of the U.S. embassy or consulate. On average, the process takes 12-18 months from start to finish. Our attorneys can provide you with a more specific estimate based on current processing times.
You'll need to provide evidence of your U.S. citizenship, proof of your marital relationship, and proof of your financial ability to support your spouse (through the Affidavit of Support). Our team will provide you with a personalized checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
If your petition is denied, don't panic. Our skilled attorneys will review the reasons for the denial and advise you on the best path forward, which may include an appeal or motion to reopen your case.
- Lawyer Green Card Family
Benefits of a family-based green card with Altius
Altius’ specialized team has experience in family immigration and is ready to guide you through every step of the process of obtaining a family sponsorship visa for the USA. We know that each case is unique, so we offer customized solutions that suit your individual needs.