- Permanent residency
IR1 Spouse Visa Lawyers
Start Your Permanent Life Together in the USA
Bringing your spouse to the United States is a significant milestone in your life together. Our IR1 spouse visa lawyers at Altius Immigration Law are dedicated to guiding you through every step of this process, ensuring a smooth transition for your family as you begin your new chapter in America.
The IR1 (Immediate Relative) spouse visa is designed for foreign spouses of US citizens who have been married for two years or more. Our skilled attorneys will handle all the legal details of your case, working to reunite your family and secure your spouse’s permanent future in America.
Key Points to Know About the IR1 Spouse Visa
The IR1 visa is an immigrant visa that allows the foreign spouse of a US citizen to enter the United States as an immediate relative and permanent resident.
Here are key points to understand:
- It’s available to spouses of US citizens who have been married for two years or more at the time of visa approval.
- IR1 visa holders enter the US as permanent residents and receive a 10-year green card upon arrival.
- Unlike CR1 visa holders, IR1 visa holders do not need to remove conditions on their residence.
- IR1 visa holders can work immediately upon entering the US without needing separate work authorization.
- Children under 21 of IR1 visa holders may be eligible to immigrate as derivatives on the same petition.
Why Choose Altius Immigration Law for Your IR1 Visa?
★ Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have successfully guided numerous couples through the IR1 visa process, handling even the most complex cases.
★ Comprehensive Support: From initial filing to entering the U.S. as a permanent resident, we provide end-to-end legal support for your immigration journey.
★ Personalized Approach: We tailor our strategy to your unique situation, addressing any potential complications proactively.
★ Clear Communication: We’ll keep you informed at every stage, explaining complex legal terms in plain language.
★ Efficient Processing: We understand the importance of family reunification and work diligently to avoid unnecessary delays in your case.
IR1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an IR1 spouse visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
- The couple must be legally married for at least two years at the time of visa approval.
- The marriage must be bona fide (entered into in good faith, not solely for immigration purposes).
- The U.S. citizen spouse must meet certain income requirements to financially sponsor their spouse.
- The foreign spouse must be admissible to the United States.
Our experienced attorneys will help you understand these requirements and gather the necessary evidence to prove your eligibility.
The IR1 Spouse Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the IR1 visa process can be complex, but with our experienced lawyers by your side, you can approach each step with confidence:
1. File Form I-130:
- The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- We’ll help prepare this form and gather supporting documents to prove your marital relationship.
2. USCIS Processing:
- We’ll monitor the processing of your petition and respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) promptly.
3. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:
- Once the I-130 is approved, your case moves to the NVC.
- We’ll guide you through this stage, assisting with fee payments, form submissions, and document gathering.
4. Prepare Affidavit of Support:
- We’ll help the U.S. citizen spouse prepare Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to prove financial capability.
5. Consular Processing:
- We’ll help prepare the necessary forms, including the DS-260 immigrant visa application.
- We’ll advise on gathering required documents, such as police certificates and medical exam results.
6. Visa Interview:
- We’ll thoroughly prepare your spouse for their visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- We’ll provide guidance on what documents to bring and how to answer potential questions.
7. Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry:
- Once the visa is approved, we’ll advise on the next steps for entering the U.S., including what to expect at the port of entry.
8. Green Card Receipt:
- Your spouse will receive a 10-year green card in the mail after entering the U.S.
- We’ll explain the rights and responsibilities of a permanent resident.
Our IR1 Spouse Visa Services
At Altius Immigration Law, we offer comprehensive services for IR1 spouse visas:
- Eligibility assessment for IR1 visas
- Preparation and filing of Form I-130
- Guidance on gathering necessary documents and evidence
- Assistance with NVC processing and consular processing
- Preparation of Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Preparation for the visa interview
- Advice on entering the U.S. and maintaining permanent resident status
- Guidance on future naturalization options
- Handling of complex cases involving previous immigration issues or inadmissibility concerns
Common Challenges in IR1 Visa Cases
While many IR1 aims cases proceed smoothly, some may face challenges. Our experienced attorneys are equipped to handle complex situations, including:
- Proving the bona fides of long-term marriages, especially in cases of cultural differences or lengthy separations
- Addressing financial sponsor requirements if the US citizen doesn’t meet the income threshold
- Navigating inadmissibility issues, such as previous immigration violations or criminal history
- Handling cases involving previous divorces or complicated marital histories
- Managing the transition from nonimmigrant status to permanent residence
We’ll work closely with you to address any potential issues proactively, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Start Your New Life Together in America Today
Don’t let the complexities of immigration law delay your family’s future in the United States. At Altius Immigration Law, our IR1 spouse visa lawyers are ready to help you navigate this intricate process and start your new life together in America.
Take the first step towards reuniting with your spouse permanently in the USA. Contact Altius Immigration Law today to schedule your consultation.
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
IR1 Spouse Visa FAQs
The process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to visa issuance, but processing times can vary. Our attorneys will keep you informed about current timelines and work to expedite your case where possible.
Yes, IR1 visa holders can work immediately upon entering the U.S. They do not need to apply for separate work authorization.
The main difference is the length of marriage. IR1 visas are for couples married two years or more at the time of visa approval, while CR1 visas are for those married less than two years.
No, IR1 visa holders receive unconditional permanent residence upon entry to the U.S. They do not need to go through the process of removing conditions.
Yes, unmarried children under 21 of IR1 visa holders may be eligible to immigrate as derivatives on the same petition. We can help you include them in the process.
IR1 visa holders can typically apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of continuous residence in the U.S., provided they meet all other naturalization requirements.
- 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.