Applying for a US visa as a citizen’s spouse is a major step, and it can come with a lot of questions. At Remitly, we know how complex immigration processes can feel. That’s why we created this IR-1 visa application guide to walk you through every stage, from planning your move to waiting for approval.
What is the IR-1 visa?
The IR-1 visa, also known as the Immediate Relative Spouse Visa, allows people who have been married to US citizens for over two years to immigrate to the US. The citizen spouse must petition on your behalf and once approved, you automatically become a permanent resident and receive a 10-year green card.
Due to policy changes, the IR-1 visa is a common alternative for the K-3 visa, which was previously preferred for quicker entry but is now often slower to process.
Eligibility requirements
IR-1 visa holders enjoy strong benefits, so requirements are strict, especially for the sponsor—the US citizen petitioning for their spouse. These are the main requirements to bear in mind:
- The sponsor is a legal citizen.
- You have been married for at least two years, and your marriage is legally recognized in the US and the country where it took place.
- You are legally either divorced or widowed if previously married.
- You can provide clear evidence to prove your marriage is bona fide.
- Meet income requirements—125% of the federal poverty level for your household size.
- If you don’t meet the income requirements, you can use a joint sponsor.
- The sponsor either lives in the US or shows intent to return with their spouse.
- Both spouses meet health, vaccination, and background check standards.
If you’ve been married for less than two years, you can apply for the CR-1 visa. If engaged but not married, you can apply for the K-1 visa. You can sponsor dependent children under the IR-2 visa.
Application process
The IR-1 visa process is lengthy. Here’s what you need to stay on track.
Necessary documents
Before applying, gather all required documents. Start early to make sure you have everything ready.
While exact documents can vary based on the country you’re applying from, both parties will need:
- Passport valid at least six months after intended US entry
- Biometric (photo) page copy
- Old passports with prior US visas
- Joint sponsor’s US passport or green card copy (if applicable)
- DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application confirmation page
- Sealed medical exam from an approved physician
- Two recent visa-compliant photos
- Original and translated birth certificates
- Original and translated marriage certificate
- Proof of marriage (details below)
- Divorce, dealth, or annulment certificates from previous marriages
- Military or exemption records (for foreign applicable males aged 17+)
- Court or police records for any arrests or charges
- Police certificates from any country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months or where you have been arrested.
- Form I-864 (affidavit of financial support) from all sponsors
- IRS Transcript, 1040 Tax Return, and W2 forms from all sponsors
Proof of marriage
To be approved, you must provide credible evidence demonstrating a bona fide marital relationship. While you don’t need every document here, try to have a few from each category.
Commonly accepted ways to prove your marriage are:
Combined finances
- Joint bank or credit accounts
- Co-signed mortgages or loans
- Shared property titles
- Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries
Living together
- Joint mortgages, leases, or utility bills
- Joint property deeds
- Documents showing shared addresses (licenses, bank statements)
- Letters confirming cohabitation from others
Having or raising children
- Birth or adoption certificates
- School or medical records
- Pregnancy or fertility treatment confirmations
- Family photos from vacations or other events
Other proof
- Travel itineraries from trips taken together
- Wedding and relationship photos
- Letters and cards
- Gift receipts
- Email, message, or call logs
Step-by-step guide
After confirming your eligibility and gathering your documents, follow these steps to apply for an IR-1 visa if your spouse lives outside the US:
- The US citizen spouse files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), includes supporting documents and pays any required fees.
- USCIS receives and processes the petition, which typically takes between 6–12 months.
- If USCIS needs further documentation, they issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Once approved, USCIC notifies the petitioner and forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- The NVC receives the petition, collects additional documents (including the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application) and fees, and prepares the case for the visa interview.
- After review, the NVC schedules an interview appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate to the foreign spouse.
- Before your interview, you’ll need to complete a medical exam from an embassy-approved doctor. You can find a list of approved doctors at your local embassy’s website.
- Attend your consular interview, where an officer will review your case and decide on approval. You’ll hear back typically immediately or within a week.
- If approved, you’ll receive your passport with the IR-1 visa inside.
- Once you have the visa, you must enter the US within six months of your medical exam.
- Upon entry, your visa will be valid for 12 months. You should receive your green card (permanent resident card) by mail during that time.
If you currently live in the US on a valid non-immigrant visa, you’ll go through the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process, rather than consular processing. You will also file Form I-485 (adjustment application) instead of the DS-260 application.
Timeline and costs
The timeline for the IR-1 visa varies depending on where you’re applying from, the USCIS’s and NVC’s workloads, and any potential delays. Typically, the process takes between one to two years.
This includes the average processing times for each step:
- USCIS processing of Form I-130: 12 months
- NVC processing of Form DS-260: 2 weeks
- Interview appointment waiting time: 1 to 6 months
You can also expect to pay the following costs:
- Filing Form I-130: $675 USD ($625 if filed online)
- DS-260 processing: $325 USD
- Immigrant medical exam: Varies by country, typically between $200–$500 USD
- Related costs, including acquiring documents, translations, photocopying, and travel expenses: Depending on your circumstances and location, can range from $1,500–$5,000 USD.
Common challenges
While the IR-1 Visa process is usually smooth, some couples encounter delays or complications. Here are some of the most common:
Incomplete or incorrect documents
Check that you have submitted all documents and necessary translations, and that every form is filled out completely, accurately, and consistently.
Mistakes can lead to long delays in your application and significant costs. You may have to pay new visa fees, reschedule appointments, or travel to an embassy or consulate again.
Double-check all of your documents with your document checklist and submit forms online to get real-time error alerts about missing documentation. Notarize and certify all of your documents early to avoid last-minute delays.
Proof of relationship documentation
Insufficient proof of relationship is one of the most common reasons why IR-1 visas are denied. It can trigger requests for evidence (RFEs) that can delay cases by months.
To successfully prove your relationship’s authenticity, include a variety of evidence—like joint finances, children, communication, and travel or events together. This lets USCIS agents see that your marriage isn’t a financial transaction.
If you and your spouse don’t live together, it may be harder to prove how strong your relationship is, but not impossible. You’ll have to include an explanation for why you don’t live together with your application. You also need to state when and where you intend to live together in the future.
Consular interviews
Visa interviews can be stressful, but armed with the right information, you’ll feel confident and prepared.
Some general tips for the interview are:
- Bring all required documents
- Dress in business-casual attire
- Practice common interview questions. Common topics in an IR-1 interview include:
- Relationship history
- Daily life together
- Future plans in the US
- Legal history
- Details about your spouse
Most consular interviews are done in English or the official language of the country where the embassy is located. However, officers care more about your answers and supporting documents than your language fluency.
If you prefer to speak in your native language, you can usually bring a translator or interpreter, but confirm your consulate’s policy. Interpreters are often available for free if you request in advance.
If you bring your own interpreter, they should ideally be a neutral third party, but officers sometimes allow friends or relatives to act as interpreters.
All outside interpreters need to bring their government ID, completed interpreter’s oath, and privacy release statement.
Long processing times
Even if everything goes smoothly, IR-1 visa processing often takes months. This can lead to emotional, financial, and logistical strain.
However, there are some ways to alleviate any stress caused by the lengthy visa process:
- Stay organized with documents
- Track your case using the USCIS and NVC online tools
- If you and your spouse are apart, spend (virtual) time together to stay close
- Budget wisely
- If you’re living in the US, find remote work or study opportunities
- Work with an immigration lawyer
- Join online support communities
- Use your waiting time to prepare for your move to the US
Visa benefits and renewal
Benefits
The IR-1 visa is a powerful immigration pathway, and you can see this in its benefits:
- Immediate permanent residency upon arrival
- No annual cap or quota, unlike many other visas
- Work authorization included upon entry
- If you’re still married after three years, you can apply for naturalization
- Upon entry, you have the same legal protections as US citizens
- You may be eligible to sponsor certain family members for US immigration after arrival
Renewal
As you receive permanent residency immediately upon arrival in the US, there’s no need to “renew” the IR-1 visa. However, you still have to meet some criteria to maintain your permanent resident status:
- Live primarily in the US
- Avoid international trips longer than six months. If you plan to be outside the US for more than 12 months, apply for a re-entry permit before departure
- Renew your green card (by filing Form I-90) before it expires
- File US taxes annually, even if you’re temporarily abroad
- Submit form AR-11 to USCIS to report any address changes within ten days of moving
- Once eligible, apply to gain full US citizenship and avoid these requirements
With the right preparation and support, navigating the IR-1 visa process is entirely manageable. By understanding the requirements and staying organized with your documentation, you can set yourself up for success.
FAQ
How do I pay for my IR-1 visa fees?
Payment options depend on which fee you’re paying for. You can pay the Form I-130 fee and USCIS immigrant fee with a credit or debit card or (US) bank transfer. However, the NVC fees can only be paid for on the CEAC website using a US bank account.
Which is better, an IR-1 visa or a CR-1 visa?
The IR-1 visas (for couples married two years or more) and CR-1 visas (for couples married less than two years) are almost identical. The appropriate visa is automatically given to you when you’re approved based on how many years you’ve been married. A green card issued through a CR-1 visa is valid for two and considered conditional—the conditions can be removed by filing Form I-751 before it expires.
Can I apply for citizenship on an IR-1 visa?
You can’t apply for citizenship immediately on an IR-1 visa. However, after you’ve moved to the US and received your green card, you can apply for citizenship after three years if you’re still married to and living with your spouse. If not, you will have to wait five years instead.
Can same-sex partners apply for an IR-1 Visa?
Yes. Since 2015, the US government recognizes same-sex partners for all immigration purposes. Your marriage must be legally valid where it was performed. It doesn’t matter if same-sex marriage isn’t legal in your home country, as long as you were legally married in a place where it’s permitted.