Spouse & family.
Already married, planning to marry, or sponsoring a parent, child, or sibling — there's a path to bring your family to the United States.
- Already married — the spouse visa (CR-1/IR-1). An immigrant visa processed at a U.S. consulate; your spouse enters as a permanent resident.
- Planning to marry — the fiancé(e) visa (K-1). A U.S. citizen brings a fiancé(e) to marry within 90 days, then adjusts status.
- Other relatives. U.S. citizens can also petition parents, children, and siblings; permanent residents, spouses and unmarried children.
- We handle the whole filing. The I-130 or I-129F petition, the DS-260 or DS-160, and the I-864 affidavit of support.
- From intake to approval. A licensed U.S. immigration attorney stays on your file the entire way.
Already married: the spouse visa (CR-1 / IR-1)
The CR-1 and IR-1 are immigrant visas for the foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The visa is issued at a U.S. consulate in the spouse's home country; on entry to the United States, your spouse becomes a lawful permanent resident.
- CR-1 (Conditional Resident): issued when the marriage is less than two years old at entry. The two-year condition is later removed with Form I-751.
- IR-1 (Immediate Relative): issued when the marriage is two years or older at entry — a ten-year green card, no conditions.
Planning to marry: the fiancé(e) visa (K-1)
The K-1 lets a U.S. citizen bring a fiancé(e) to the United States to marry within 90 days. After the marriage, your spouse applies for a green card through adjustment of status. The K-1 is available only to U.S. citizens, and the couple generally must have met in person within the last two years.
Which is right for you?
The most common question we hear. The short answer: if you can marry abroad without significant delay, the CR-1 is usually the better choice — your spouse arrives as a permanent resident, with no separate adjustment-of-status step. The K-1 is the right path when marrying abroad is impractical, or when you want your fiancé(e) in the U.S. for the wedding.
| Factor | K-1 Fiancé Visa | CR-1 / IR-1 Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Marital status | Engaged | Already married |
| Who can petition | U.S. citizen only | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| Where processed | U.S. consulate abroad | U.S. consulate abroad |
| Status at U.S. entry | K-1; must marry within 90 days | Lawful permanent resident |
| Adjustment of status after? | Yes (Form I-485) | No |
| Best for | Couples who can't easily marry abroad | Most married couples |
How the process works
- Petition. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident files the petition (Form I-130 for a spouse, Form I-129F for a fiancé(e)) with USCIS.
- National Visa Center / consular prep. We prepare the immigrant visa application (DS-260) or nonimmigrant application (DS-160), the affidavit of support (I-864), and assemble the civil and financial documents.
- Consular interview. Your spouse or fiancé(e) attends an interview at the U.S. consulate in their country of residence.
- Entry to the U.S. A spouse enters as a permanent resident; a fiancé(e) enters on the K-1 and marries within 90 days, then files Form I-485.
Other family members
Family-based immigration reaches beyond spouses and fiancé(e)s. U.S. citizens can also petition for parents, children, and siblings; lawful permanent residents can petition for spouses and unmarried children. Wait times vary by category and country, and we'll explain where your case falls during the consultation.
How we help
We prepare and review every form and exhibit, build the relationship-evidence packet, manage NVC follow-ups, prepare you and your partner for the interview, and respond to any Requests for Evidence. A licensed U.S. immigration attorney stays on the file from intake through approval.
Common questions.
Is a CR-1 better than a K-1?
For most couples who can marry abroad without significant delay, yes — the CR-1 produces a permanent resident on entry and avoids a separate adjustment-of-status filing. The K-1 is the right choice when marrying abroad is impractical.
Can a permanent resident sponsor a fiancé(e)?
No — the K-1 fiancé visa is available only to U.S. citizens. Permanent residents can sponsor a spouse after marriage.
What if my spouse is already in the U.S.?
If your spouse entered lawfully and is otherwise eligible, adjustment of status (Form I-485) may be available from inside the United States. See our Green Card page.
Does income matter?
Yes. The petitioner must meet the I-864 affidavit-of-support income threshold for the household size. A joint sponsor can be used if income is below the threshold.
Bring your partner home.
Free consultation with a U.S. immigration attorney. No obligation.