United States of America · family · Leads to settlement
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).
- Processing time
- IR1/CR1: consular processing roughly 12–18 months. Adjustment of status inside US: 8–15 months.
- Government fees
- I-130 USD 675 (paper) / USD 625 (online); DS-260 USD 325 (consular); I-485 USD 1,440 (adjustment); I-751 USD 750.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence (conditional 2-year CR1 converts to 10-year card via I-751).
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
US citizens may sponsor spouses as immediate relatives (IR1 for marriages over 2 years, CR1 for newer marriages with conditional residence). Lawful permanent residents sponsor spouses in the F2A preference category, which is subject to annual numerical limits but has generally remained current in recent years. All categories require a bona fide marriage and a financial sponsor meeting the I-864 support threshold.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian spouses are one of the largest IR1/CR1 cohorts. Indian marriage certificates from civil registrars (not religious…
Chinese applicants
Chinese spousal applicants process at the US Consulate General in Guangzhou, which handles all immigrant visas for China…
Russian applicants
Russian spousal applicants face significant routing changes since 2022 — the US Embassy in Moscow has suspended immigran…
Ukrainian applicants
Ukrainian spouses already in the US under Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian parole can typically file I-485 (adjustment o…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Valid marriage recognised in the jurisdiction where it took place and for US immigration purposes.
- ✓Petitioner is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- ✓Sponsor meets the I-864 income threshold (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines).
Common blockers
- !Insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage (commingled finances, joint leases, etc.).
- !Sponsor income below threshold without a qualifying joint sponsor.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage certificate and divorce/death certificates for any prior marriages.
- ·Evidence of shared life (leases, finances, photos, correspondence).
- ·Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with tax returns.
Application pathway
File I-130 petition
US citizen or LPR files Form I-130 establishing the qualifying relationship.
Adjust status or consular process
Spouses inside the US file I-485; spouses abroad process via NVC and consulate.
Attend interview
USCIS or consular officer assesses marriage bona fides.
Remove conditions (CR1)
File I-751 within 90 days before the 2-year conditional card expires.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplySponsorFile Form I-130 ↗
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse uses Form I-130 to establish the qualifying family relationship.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: I-130 USD 675 (paper) / USD 625 (online); DS-260 USD 325 (consular); I-485 USD 1,440 (adjustment); I-751 USD 750.. A decision then typically takes 7 months – 2.5 years. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the F2A category current?+
F2A for spouses of permanent residents has mostly been current in recent years, meaning visa numbers are generally available. Priority-date movement can still change — always check the latest Department of State visa bulletin.
What income do I need to sponsor my spouse for a green card?+
The financial sponsor must meet the I-864 Affidavit of Support income threshold of 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If the sponsor's income is below the threshold, a qualifying joint sponsor may be needed. The I-864 is provided with tax returns as evidence.
Why might my spouse get a 2-year conditional green card, and how does it become permanent?+
For newer marriages, the CR1 category grants a 2-year conditional green card. To convert it to a 10-year card, the couple files Form I-751 to remove conditions within the 90 days before the conditional card expires.
How long does the CR1/IR1 spousal green card take to process?+
For spouses abroad, IR1/CR1 consular processing takes roughly 12 to 18 months. For spouses already inside the US, adjustment of status typically takes 8 to 15 months. Timelines vary, so check the official USCIS source.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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