United States of America · family
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)
Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).
Last reviewed:
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.
Processing time
IR1/CR1: consular processing roughly 12–18 months. Adjustment of status inside US: 8–15 months.
See source window: 7 months – 2.5 years →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).
Primary source
USCIS — Bringing Spouses to Live in the US as Permanent Residents · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Link last verified:
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
Step 1
File I-130 petition
US citizen or LPR files Form I-130 establishing the qualifying relationship.
Step 2
Adjust status or consular process
Spouses inside the US file I-485; spouses abroad process via NVC and consulate.
Step 3
Attend interview
USCIS or consular officer assesses marriage bona fides.
Step 4
Remove conditions (CR1)
File I-751 within 90 days before the 2-year conditional card expires.
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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.
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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