What is a CR-1 Visa (Conditional Resident Visa)?

A CR-1 Visa (Conditional Resident Visa) is a U.S. immigrant visa issued to foreign spouses of U.S. citizens when the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of admission to the United States. In general, the conditional resident visa holders have the same rights and privileges as other green card holders. However, they must renew their conditional green cards to remove conditions and obtain a 10-year permanent green card within the 90 day period before the visa expires. 

Key Takeaways

• A CR-1 Visa (Conditional Resident Visa) is a U.S. immigrant visa issued to foreign spouses of U.S. citizens when the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of admission to the U.S.
• After two years, the CR-1 visa holder must renew their conditional green cards to remove conditions and obtain a 10-year permanent green card. 
• If the spouse and U.S. citizen divorce within the two-year conditional period, the spouse will lose their green card.

Applying for a CR-1 Visa (Conditional Resident Visa) 

The CR-1 Visa application process is complex and requires careful attention to detail. Here is a brief breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Determine Eligibility: First of all, it is crucial to make sure that you are eligible to obtain a green card. For example, you must be at least 18 years old and establish the domicile requirement in the United States.
2. File Form I-120: Once you have determined eligibility, your U.S. sponsor should file Form I-130, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative, through consular processing.
3. Approval or Denial: You will need to wait for the USCIS to process your form. If approved, you will be asked to complete Form DS-260, an Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.
4. Exam and Interview: You must undergo both a medical examination and a visa interview. All information given in the medical exam and interview should be accurate and genuine. 
5. Visa Issuance: The CR-1 visa is typically issued within a week of the interview. The foreign spouse must enter the U.S. within six months of visa issuance.
6. Removing Conditions: Within the 90-day period before the second anniversary of obtaining conditional residence, the couple must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on residence. This requires submitting additional evidence that the marriage remains genuine and ongoing. Once approved, the foreign spouse becomes a permanent resident without conditions.

Bottom Line

Throughout the process of obtaining a conditional resident visa, it is essential to maintain organized records and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Many couples choose to work with an immigration attorney to navigate this complex process. Get in touch with a skilled immigration law attorney now with Attorney At Law.