Bring Your Spouse Home — The Right Way

Attorney‑led CR‑1/IR‑1 for couples living outside the U.S. together or apart. We prepare your I‑130, guide you through NVC/CEAC, and get you interview‑ready so your spouse can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

What is CR‑1 / IR‑1?

CR‑1/IR‑1 is the marriage‑based immigrant visa processed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You start with an I‑130 petition at USCIS, then complete the National Visa Center (NVC) steps — fees, Affidavit of Support (I‑864), DS‑260, and civil documents — before a consular interview.

The idea

Think of CR‑1/IR‑1 as the “visa abroad” route. Your spouse is approved overseas and enters the U.S. as a permanent resident; no stateside AOS is needed.

Quick rules

  • Married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
  • Affidavit of Support required; income must generally meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or use assets/joint sponsor).
  • Police certificates and a panel‑physician medical exam are required.
  • Conditional (2‑year) resident card if marriage under 2 years at entry; otherwise 10‑year card.
  • U.S. domicile required for the petitioner (or evidence of intent to re‑establish).

Every case is unique. We confirm your eligibility and strategy first so you can move forward with confidence.

CR‑1 / IR‑1 Journey — Start to Visa in Hand

What to expect at each step

1

📝 I‑130 & Strategy

We confirm eligibility and prepare the strongest I‑130 package.
2

📬 USCIS Review

USCIS processes the petition; approval is routed to NVC.
3

🏛️ NVC Case Creation

We set up CEAC, pay NVC fees, and map your document plan.
4

📄 I‑864 & DS‑260

We prepare I‑864 and guide the DS‑260; you upload to CEAC.
5

📎 Civil Docs

Gather birth/marriage/police certificates per the embassy’s reciprocity rules.
6

✅ Case Complete

NVC reviews; once qualified, the case is queued for interview.
7

🎤 Interview Prep

Coaching + document checklist so you walk in confident.
8

🎟️ Visa & Entry

Visa issued; pay the USCIS immigrant fee and enter as an LPR.

Common Questions

How long does CR‑1/IR‑1 take?
Timelines vary by USCIS service center and the embassy. Typical flow: I‑130 approval → NVC case complete → interview scheduling. We keep you on track at each step.
Can we use a joint sponsor?
Yes, if the petitioner’s income doesn’t meet 125%. We help evaluate joint sponsors and assets to qualify.
Do we need police certificates and a medical?
Yes. Police certificates follow State Department reciprocity rules, and a panel‑physician medical exam is always required before the interview.
What if we live together abroad?
That’s fine. You’ll still process through NVC/CEAC and attend the interview at the embassy for your spouse’s nationality or residence.
Is the immigrant fee included?
No. Government fees (USCIS, NVC, and consular) are paid separately to the agencies.

What’s Included

  • Attorney eligibility check and strategy (domicile, I‑864 plan).
  • I‑130 packet drafted and quality‑checked.
  • NVC/CEAC setup and checklist (fees, DS‑260, document uploads).
  • I‑864 (Affidavit of Support) prepared with evidence list.
  • Embassy‑specific civil documents guidance.
  • Interview coaching and mock Q&A.

Note: Welcome Citizen prepares your application packet and provides clear instructions for submission. Clients file directly with USCIS/NVC/Embassy.

Marriage Green Card Package
$995
Flat service fee. Government filing fees are separate and paid directly to USCIS or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
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