Spouse Visa USA 2025: Requirements, Process & Fees
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Table of Contents
- What is Spouse Visa USA?
- Benefits of Spouse Visa USA
- Types of Spouse Visa USA
- Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Visa USA From India
- 1. IR1 or CR1 Immigrant Visa for a Spouse of a citizen of the United States
- 2. K-3 Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse of a citizen of the United States
- Documents Required for Spouse Visa USA
- Application Process for the Spouse Visa USA in 2025
- Cost of Spouse Visa USA from India 2025
- Spouse Visa USA Processing Times
- Difference Between CR1 and IR1 Spouse Visa USA
- Secure Your Spouse Visa USA and Gain PR in the United States
Applying for spouse visa USA is one of the most common pathways for couples seeking to reunite and build a life together in the United States. A United States Spouse visa allows a US citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their foreign spouses for lawful residency in the US.
In 2024 over 250,000 immigrant visas were issued in the family sponsorship category, with spouse visas accounting to 60% of them. The current approval rate for CR1 and IR1 spouse visas remain high 85% - 90%, reflecting the program’s robust yet supportive nature. This article will walk you through the requirements and process of spouse visa USA to facilitate your smooth transition.
What is Spouse Visa USA?
A United States Spouse Visa can make the dream of living together in the country come true for people who are in love with citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Foreign spouses of citizens or permanent residents of the United States are able to join their loved ones and start a new life in the country with this kind of visa.
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Benefits of Spouse Visa USA
Having understood the overview of the United States spouse visa, let us further explore the benefits of US spouse visa, some of which are mentioned below.
- Immediate Permanent Residency: Upon approval, the foreign partner receives permanent residence status (Green Card USA), allowing them to live and work in the country without hassle of visa renewals or expiry concerns.
- Fast Track to US Citizenship: With an IR-1 visa USA, eligible spouses can apply for US citizenship just after completing 3 years of residency, which is comparatively faster than general 5 years requirement (provided they are married to US citizen sponsor)
- Access to Public Benefits: Spouse visa holders have access to essential benefits such as US healthcare system, educational opportunities, financial aid, and labor protection under US federal and state laws, ensuring personal well being and financial security.
- Family Unity & Emotional Stability: The spouse visa USA supports family reunification, enabling spouses to build their lives together in the US. This stability fosters emotional well being and supports long term personal and professional growth.
- Legal Acknowledgment of Marriage: Applicants must present proof of a legally recognized marriage, which ensures the relationship is officially acknowledged by US immigration law, providing legal protection and legitimacy for the the foreign spouse
Types of Spouse Visa USA
Spouses of green card holders or U.S. citizens who want to live permanently in the country can apply for a variety of wife visas in the USA. The following are a few of the most common kinds of visas:
Visa |
Description |
K-1 Fiance Visa |
The K-1 Fiance Visa permits the spouse who is a foreign national to enter the country and get married to their fiancé within 90 days of landing |
IR-1 (Immediate Relative) Spousal Visa |
Also referred to as an immigrant visa, this kind is granted to people who have been married for two years or longer and are able to show documentation of their sincere union. |
CR-1 (Conditional Resident) Spousal Visa |
This category is for married couples who have been together for less than two years and who, in the event that one spouse's application for entry into the United States is denied, are unable to demonstrate that they are a lawfully married couple. |
Family Preference Immigrant Visas |
These come in four varieties: spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents; siblings of American citizens over 21; unmarried children under 21; and married children under 21. Due to its ability to grant indefinite residency and provide access to numerous public benefits such as health care and employment authorization cards (EACs), this type is also known as a "Green Card." |
Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Visa USA From India
If you are a citizen of the United States and you wish to travel with your spouse, they may do so by applying for a US Spouse Visa under the following categories:
1. IR1 or CR1 Immigrant Visa for a Spouse of a citizen of the United States
A foreign national spouse of a US citizen can be sponsored for an immigrant visa, offering a quicker route to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria to Sponsor your Spouse
- The sponsor must be a legal citizen of the United States.
- In order to file a petition on behalf of parents or siblings, the sponsor must be at least 21 years old. However, before signing an Affidavit of Support, Form I-864 or I-864-EZ, a citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States must be at least 18 years old and have a domicile in the country.
- The sponsor's primary residence must remain in the United States, and the sponsor must have enough money and assets to support the spouse who plans to migrate.
- The sponsor of the family planning to immigrate must be prepared to sign an affidavit of support.
- The sponsor must obtain USCIS approval for the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which is the immigration visa petition.
2. K-3 Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse of a citizen of the United States
The K-3 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that is intended for US citizen spouses in order to reduce the amount of time that they must physically separate from their foreign spouse.
In order to live in the United States with their American spouse while they wait for the approval of their I-130 immigration visa petition, foreign spouses can apply for a visa in the nation where they got married.
Before shifting into the USA, read Average Cost of Living in the USA for Students & Immigrants
Documents Required for Spouse Visa USA
The following US spouse visa requirements must be satisfied in order for an applicant to be eligible for a spouse visa process:
Requirement |
Details |
Proof of Relationship |
Documentation showing either of the 2 are U.S. citizens or green card holders and proof for the marriage's sincerity, such as letters, photographs, posts on social media, and other records showing the couple's long-standing commitment to one another. |
Character Certificate |
Legal Records showing that there are no legal or criminal issues against the applicant. |
Financial Evidence |
Financial records that demonstrate that an individual has enough money or assets to meet their living expenses, such as bank statements and tax returns. |
Sponsorship |
Sponsorship from your American-resident or citizen spouse. To prove they have the resources to support the immigrant spouse, the sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). |
Proof of immunizations |
To comply with the vaccination requirements, vaccination records and documentation of immunizations are required. |
Criminal and Background Checks |
Criminal background investigations are conducted on both the immigrant spouse and the US sponsor. A spouse visa applicant's eligibility may be impacted by any criminal history, including arrests, convictions, or immigration infractions. |
Also Read: How To Get a Police Clearance Certificate From a Local Police Station in 2025?
Application Process for the Spouse Visa USA in 2025
There are various steps involved in applying for a spouse visa, such as filing petitions, filling out forms, supplying supporting documentation, and going to interviews. An overview of the entire process is given below:
Step 1: Check your Eligibility
It is crucial to ascertain your eligibility for a USA Spousal Visa before starting the application process. In general, if you can show proof of a sincere and bona fide marital relationship and are lawfully married to a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you may be eligible.
Step 2: Choose your Right Visa Category
Selecting the USA Spousal Visa type that best fits your circumstances is the next step. There are two main categories:
- IR-1 Visa -Immediate Relative Visa
- CR-1 Visa -Conditional Resident Visa
Step 3: File a Petition
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, must be filed on behalf of the foreign spouse by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse which is then submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 4: Complete your Visa Application
You will receive instructions from the NVC on how to submit the application for an immigrant visa, pay the applicable fees, and supply the required supporting documentation. This will include health records, police reports, and evidence of financial assistance. Do as per the notice and submit your application.
Step 5: Attend your Scheduled Interview
The application will be sent to the American embassy or consulate in the foreign spouse's nation of origin after it has been processed by the NVC. The spouse needs to show up for an interview at the consulate or embassy. The consular officer will determine whether the spouse is eligible for a visa and will also evaluate the validity of the relationship during the interview.
Step 6: Visa Approval
If everything checks out during the interview and the paperwork is in order, the visa will be granted. A visa package including entry requirements for the US will be sent to the spouse.
Note: The foreign spouse will initially be granted a conditional green card, good for two years, if they enter the country on a CR-1 visa. The couple must file Form I-751 jointly within the 90-day window preceding the second anniversary of receiving the conditional green card in order to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card.
Cost of Spouse Visa USA from India 2025
The CR-1, IR-1, and K-3 Spouse Visas enable citizens of the United States to apply for permanent residency on behalf of their spouses who were born abroad. The breakdown of cost of applying for spouse visa USA from India based on visa types is as follows:.
Spouse Visa USA Fees for the IR1 or CR1 Immigrant Visa
The breakdown of cost of Spousal Visa America from India under the IR1 or CR1 categories includes the following:
Particulars |
Fees in USD |
Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 |
675 |
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees |
325 |
Immigrant Medical Exam |
200 - 500 |
USCIS Immigrant Fee (of applicants outside US) |
220 |
Spouse Visa USA Fees for the K-3 NonImmigrant Visa
The breakdown of cost of Spousal Visa America from India under the K3 non immigrant visa is as follows:
Particulars |
Fees in USD |
Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 |
535 |
Alien Fiancé (e) Petition, Form I-129F |
535 |
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status |
1140 |
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Spouse Visa USA Processing Times
The average US marriage visa processing times from India are listed as follows:
Visa Type |
Processing Duration |
CR-1 |
13.5 - 15 months |
IR-1 |
29 - 40 months |
K-3 |
19 months |
Difference Between CR1 and IR1 Spouse Visa USA
While the CR1 and IR1 visas are both types of immigrant spouse visa USA, let us further explore the detailed difference between the IR1 and CR1 spouse visas:
Feature |
CR-1 Visa |
IR-1 Visa |
Eligibility |
For spouses married to a U.S. citizen for less than 2 years |
For spouses married to a U.S. citizen for 2 years or more |
Residency Type |
Conditional Permanent Residency |
Full Permanent Residency |
Nickname |
Conditional Resident Visa |
Immediate Relative Visa |
Conditions |
Requires a 2-year conditional period before full green card status |
No conditional period; permanent residency granted upon entry |
Risk of Green Card Loss |
Green card can be revoked if the couple divorces within the 2-year conditional period |
No impact on green card if divorce occurs after entry |
Secure Your Spouse Visa USA and Gain PR in the United States
Securing a spouse visa USA is a crucial step towards reuniting with your spouse and starting a new life in the USA. While the process is promising with a high approval rate, the US spouse visa process also involves detailed documentation, strict timelines, and through eligibility checks.
To avoid unnecessary visa refusals or processing delays, seeking expert guidance can make a significant difference. This is where GetGIS immigration assistance steps in. Our team provides dedicated end to end process assistance, ensuring to simplify your United States spouse visa journey and ensure a stress free transition for you and your partner in US
Also Read:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
What ought to be done when the petition for a fiance visa is about to expire?
How do I find out the status of a petition that I filed in the US with USCIS?
Is it necessary for all applicants for nonimmigrant visas to attend an interview at the American embassy or consulate?
What happens if I apply for a spouse visa and then my relationship ends?
Can I work in the US while I am awaiting my spouse's visa?