What is a Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa allows foreign spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to immigrate to the United States. Depending on the length of the marriage, the visa can be either:
- CR-1 Visa: For spouses married less than two years.
- IR-1 Visa: For spouses married two or more years.
Spouse visas grant lawful permanent resident (green card) status upon arrival, allowing the spouse to live and work in the U.S. without restrictions.
Requirements for a Spouse Visa
To apply for a CR-1 or IR-1 spouse visa, the following requirements must be met:
Eligibility of the U.S. Petitioner
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Must prove the ability to financially support the spouse (see financial requirements below).
Eligibility of the Foreign Spouse
- Must be legally married to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Note: Common-law marriages and religious ceremonies are only recognized in certain circumstances based on local laws. - Must not have immigration violations or criminal records that would bar entry (waivers may be available in some cases).
- Must be legally married to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Intent to Reside in the U.S.
- Both parties must demonstrate an intent to establish a shared residence in the United States.
Financial Requirements
The U.S. petitioner must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, proving they can financially support the foreign spouse. Below are the income thresholds for 2024:
| Household Size | 125% of Poverty Guidelines (Form I-864) |
|---|---|
| 2 (Petitioner + Spouse) | $24,650 |
| 3 (Petitioner, Spouse, + 1 Dependent) | $31,075 |
| 4 (Petitioner, Spouse, + 2 Dependents) | $37,500 |
| 5 (Petitioner, Spouse, + 3 Dependents) | $43,925 |
Key Notes:
- Add $6,425 for each additional dependent beyond a household size of 5.
- Financial support can include income from wages, salaries, or assets such as savings or property if the income alone is insufficient.
- Required Forms and Documentation
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor.
- Proof of marriage (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Evidence of a bona fide relationship (e.g., photos, communication records, affidavits).
- Financial evidence supporting the Affidavit of Support.
- Medical examination results for the foreign spouse.
Key Steps in the Spouse Visa Process
File Form I-130
The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the marital relationship.USCIS Approval and NVC Processing
Once USCIS approves the petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document collection, fee payment, and visa interview scheduling.Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
The foreign spouse attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country, providing:- Proof of marriage and relationship.
- Financial evidence from the sponsor.
- Results of the required medical examination.
Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry
Upon approval, the spouse receives their CR-1 or IR-1 visa and can travel to the United States. A green card is mailed shortly after arrival.
Why Choose Smart USA Visa?
At SmartUSAVisa, we make the spouse visa process simple by offering:
- Expert guidance: Clear instructions and assistance for every step.
- Affordable solutions: Avoid high legal fees with our cost-effective platform.
- Streamlined process: We handle the complex paperwork so you can focus on your family.
Whether applying for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, Smart USA Visa ensures your application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Get Started Today!
Reuniting with your spouse in the United States has never been easier. With Smart USA Visa, the complex spouse visa process becomes manageable and affordable. Start your application today and take the first step toward building your life together.
