→Family VisaCR1/IR1 Spouse Visa (Family-Based Green Card)
Joining a US citizen spouse as a lawful permanent resident
Duration: CR1: Conditional 2-year Green Card. IR1: Permanent 10-year Green CardFee: $325 (USCIS) + $120 (Affidavit of Support) + $325 (DS-260)Processing: 12–24 months total
Requirements & Documents
- 1Valid marriage to a US citizen (Nikah Nama + NADRA certificate with translation)
- 2US citizen spouse files I-130 petition
- 3Proof of genuine marriage (photos, joint accounts, communication history)
- 4Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) — sponsor must earn 125% of poverty level
- 5Medical examination
- 6Police certificates from Pakistan and any country lived in 6+ months
- 7Valid passports
- 8DS-260 immigrant visa application
- 9Interview at US Embassy Islamabad
Important Notes
Married less than 2 years = CR1 (conditions removed after 2 years). Married 2+ years = IR1 (permanent). Citizenship after 3 years of permanent residency.
Visa Summary
CountryUnited States
Visa TypeCR1/IR1 Spouse Visa (Family-Based Green Card)
CategoryFamily
DurationCR1: Conditional 2-year Green Card. IR1: Permanent 10-year Green Card
Fee$325 (USCIS) + $120 (Affidavit of Support) + $325 (DS-260)
Processing12–24 months total