WHAT IS A CR-1 SPOUSAL PROCESS? 

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A spousal visa is an immigrant benefit granted to spouses of US citizens by the USCIS. A green card valid for two (2) years is issued to the alien spouse once it is approved. In some instances, the USCIS will issue a green card valid for ten (10) years provided that the marriage between the US citizen and the alien spouse has been more than two (2) years (IR-1 Visa).

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Under existing U.S. immigration law, the alien spouse of the U.S. citizen is the recipient of an approved I-130 petition and is entitled to all privileges as a U.S. citizen except the right to vote. If the alien spouse satisfies basic legal permanent residency and continues to be a law-abiding person, the alien spouse can apply to become a naturalized US citizen with the Department of State.

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The main benefit of this visa petition is the green card. Upon entry of the alien spouse in the United States, the green card and Social Security card will be both delivered to their choice of mailing or residence address. Normally they shall receive it within thirty (30) to sixty (60) days from arrival. Depending on the validity of the green card, the alien spouse is a legal permanent resident of the United States.