CR1 Spouse Visa Philippines

CR1 Spouse Visa

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Reuniting Couples Since 2003

FilAm Immigration Services

CR1 Spouse Visa Philippines

By filing an I-130 Immediate relative application with I-130A Married Couples may get CR1-IR1 Spouse Visa faster in 2024 by filing correctly.

CR1-IR1 Assistance

We’re here to assist Married Couples from start to finish, ensuring you a successful outcome wither with getting the CR1, IR1 or K3 Spouse Visa.

The US Embassy in Manila Philippines has started streamlining CR1-IR1 Spouse Visa processing since the beginning of 2024 allowing married couples to shorten the length of their wait time.

Wait times from 2 years or longer now to roughly 15-18 months, but only if the couple filed correctly meaning they done everything correctly to the best of their ability to avoid rejection, RFE request for evidence and even a 221(g) at their interview.

Sometimes even the St. Luke’s medical exam could be the problem for some if x-rays catch anything negative.

Often times the “do-it-your-selfers” struggle to file correctly and later struggle to understand the ongoing process thus increasing their wait times considerably because hey got RFE letters which many couples don’t even understand what it means.

By hiring a specialized service such as FilAm Immigration, you could be saving yourself a lot of stress, worry and you can do so at a fee that won’t leave you broke.

CR1-IR1 Assistance

CR1-IR1 Basic for $150.

Married couples looking for a budget package to get then started on the spouse visa process.

This could be for you, an affordable Philippines to US visa support package that will get you started on the right foot at USCIS.

This package is to file I-130 either for CR1 or IR1 spouse. a one time fee to us of $150.

Included is, a free consultation
Included is, gathering both couples bio data online
Included is, an experienced staff member completing your I-130 main application
Included is, the I-130A supplemental alien spouses bio data application
Included is, the G-1145
Included is, the cover letter
Included is, the sponsor and beneficiaries USCIS (3w) introductory letter now mandatory
Included is a step-by-step email for the beneficiary and sponsor of all specific items needed in your case?
Included is a step-by-step email layout for the sponsor on how to place and mail everything to USCIS
This package allows you to upgrade later on to the Platinum package for an additional $375.

Is not covered by our money back guarantee

All government fees not included

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2023

CR1-IR1 Platinum for $425.

LDR Married Couples that are in search of an affordable Philippines to US visa support can have an experienced Sr. consultant evaluate your CR1/IR1 visa case for free.

Here’s what our CR1/IR1 Marriage Platinum package offers for $425.

Free Consultation
Bio data collection sent to the sponsor and beneficiary
One of our experienced staff members will complete the I-130 Application for you
Included is, the alien spouses I-130A supplemental bio data application
Included is, the G-1145
Included is the beneficiaries and sponsors USCIS (3w) introductory letter now mandatory
Included is the sponsors I-130 Cover letter
Included is a step-by-step email for the beneficiary and sponsor of all specific items needed in your case
Included is a step-by-step email layout for the sponsor on how to place and mail everything to USCIS
The couple will have unlimited communication available to all their questions and concerns
Included is, step-by-step assistance through your NVC process and government payments
Included is DS-260 support for the beneficiary
Included is, the sponsors I-864 Affidavit of support and all supporting financial documents
Included is an online medical and interview case file review with the beneficiary
Included is an online mock interview with the beneficiary prior to the actual interview
“If”, the couple where to receive an RFE – request for evidence or a 221(g) We will guide you through that
After the beneficiary has received the CR1/IR1 visa, we will further instruct them about the pre-departure seminar, exit process and US port of entry
Included is, instruction on how to proceed with the green card government fee
Last, we will guide the beneficiary through exiting their country, and preparing for the U.S. port of entry
Is covered by our money back guarantee

❌ All government fees not included

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2023

K3 Basic for $250.

LDR Married Couples that are in search of an affordable Philippines to US visa support can have an experienced Sr. consultant evaluate your K3 visa case for free.

We make sure your I-130 / 129F is done correctly the first time.

Here’s what our K3 Marriage Basic package offers for $250.

Free Consultation
Bio data collection sent to the sponsor and beneficiary
One of our experienced staff members will complete the I-130 Application for you
Included is, the I-129F for alien fiance making this a K3 application
Included is, the G-1145
Included is, the beneficiaries and sponsors USCIS (3w) introductory letter now mandatory
Included is, the sponsors I-130 Cover letter
Included is, the sponsors IMB declaration letter
Included is, a step-by-step email for the beneficiary, and sponsor, of all specific items needed in your case
Included is, a step-by-step email layout, for the sponsor, on how to prepare and mail everything to USCIS
Included is, unlimited time to ask questions and address your concerns, until the I-129F has been submitted to USCIS.
This package does allow you to upgrade to our K3 Platinum package later on, for a fee of $400.

❌ Is not covered by our money back guarantee

❌ All government fees not included

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2023

K3 Platinum for $650.

LDR Married Couples that are in search of an affordable Philippines to US visa support can have an experienced Sr. consultant evaluate your K3 visa case for free.

Our start to finish guidance can save the couple time and remove some stress.

Here’s what our K3 Marriage Platinum package offers for $650.

If you have children under the age of 21 who will be included as K4 then ad an additional $325. each

Free Consultation
Bio data collection sent to the sponsor and beneficiary
One of our experienced staff members will complete the I-130 Application for you
Included is, the I-129F for alien fiance making this a K3 application
Included is, the G-1145
Included is the beneficiaries and sponsors USCIS (3w) introductory letter now mandatory
Included is the sponsors I-130 Cover letter
Included is, the sponsors IMB declaration letter
Included is a step-by-step email for the beneficiary and sponsor of all specific items needed in your case
Included is a step-by-step email layout for the sponsor on how to place and mail everything to USCIS
The couple will have unlimited communication available to all their questions and concerns
Included is, a step-by-step assistance through your NVC process and government payments
Included is DS-160 support for the beneficiary
Included is, the sponsors I-134 Affidavit of support and all supporting financial documents
Included is an online medical and interview case file review with the beneficiary
Included is an online mock interview with the beneficiary prior to the actual interview
“If”, the couple where to receive an RFE – request for evidence or a 221(g) We will guide you through that
After the beneficiary has received the K3 visa, we will further instruct them about the pre-departure seminar, exit process and US port of entry
Last, we will guide the beneficiary through exiting their country, and preparing for the U.S. port of entry
Included is, the adjustment of status, completion of the I-485, I-765, to become a legal permanent resident, and legally seek employment
Is covered by our money back guarantee

❌ All government fees not included

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2023

CR1-IR1 Timeline

CR1/IR1 Spousal Visa Timeline 2024

Usually 15-18 months on average from start to finish for the Philippines.

Petition Review
4 Hours
USCIS Receipt Notice
1-4 weeks
USCIS Petition Processing
12 months (USCIS Estimate Q4 2022)
NVC Case Number to US Embassy contact
1-6 months
US Embassy Contact to Interview Date
1-2 Months
Green Card Received
1-4 weeks

CR1-IR1 Differences

A CR1 (Conditional Resident) visa and an IR1 (Immediate Relative) visa are both categories of visas that allow a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to immigrate to the United States.

However, there are some key differences between the two visa categories.

Here are the main differences:

1. Timing and duration of marriage:

The CR1 visa is intended for couples who have been married for less than two years at the time of application, while the IR1 visa is for couples who have been married for more than two years.

2. Conditional residency:

With a CR1 visa, the foreign spouse will initially receive conditional residency, also known as a 2-year green card.

After two years, the couple must jointly apply to remove the conditions and receive a permanent green card.

On the other hand, an IR1 visa grants the foreign spouse immediate permanent residency status, without any conditions.

3. Evidence of bona fide marriage:

Both visa categories require the couple to provide evidence of a bona fide marriage.

However, with a CR1 visa, the couple must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit twice – once during the initial application and again during the removal of conditions process.

4. Processing time:

The processing times for CR1 and IR1 visas may vary.

In general, IR1 visas tend to have shorter processing times since there is no need for the removal of conditions step.

5. Travel restrictions:

With a CR1 visa, the foreign spouse can travel in and out of the United States freely while maintaining their immigrant status.

However, if the foreign spouse plans to travel outside the U.S. for more than six months within the first two years of receiving the CR1 visa, they may need to apply for a re-entry permit.

With an IR1 visa, there are no specific travel restrictions, and the foreign spouse can freely travel in and out of the U.S.

It’s important to note that these differences may vary based on individual circumstances, and it’s always recommended to consult an immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

K3 Differences Versus CR1-IR1

A K3 visa and a CR1/IR1 spouse visa are both options for bringing a spouse to the United States, but they have some key differences.

Let’s take a closer look at each visa:

1. K3 Visa:

A K3 visa, also known as a nonimmigrant visa for a spouse, is designed to shorten the waiting time for an immigrant visa (CR1/IR1 visa) for spouses of U.S. citizens.

It allows the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while their immigrant visa application is being processed.

Once in the U.S., the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.

However, it’s important to note that the K3 visa is no longer being issued as a separate category since 2010.

Instead, it has been largely replaced by the CR1/IR1 visa.

2. CR1/IR1 Visa:

The CR1/IR1 (Conditional/Immediate Relative) visa is an immigrant visa category for spouses of U.S. citizens.

It is intended for spouses who intend to live permanently in the U.S. Upon entry, the foreign spouse receives a conditional green card (CR1) if the marriage is less than two years old or an immediate green card (IR1) if the marriage is more than two years old.

The CR1/IR1 visa requires a lengthier processing time and involves additional paperwork, such as an Affidavit of Support, but it ultimately leads to permanent residency.

In summary, while both the K3 visa and the CR1/IR1 visa allow a spouse to enter the U.S., the K3 visa aimed to provide temporary entry as a nonimmigrant visa, while the CR1/IR1 visa focuses on permanent immigration by granting a green card upon entry.

However, due to changes in the immigration system, the K3 visa is no longer issued as a separate category, and most couples now pursue the CR1/IR1 visa for spousal immigration to the U.S.

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

Spouse Visa Requirements

Requirements to apply for a United States spouse visa will depend on the visa type.

CR1 /IR1 Spouse Visa Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen, and have maintained a domicile U.S. address for the past 6-months prior to filing the I-130.
If you are an LPR – legal permanent residence living in the US. then you are also qualified.
This is for married couples who have been married less than two years.
The couple must be legally married.
The sponsor is the U.S. Citizen who will be filing for the alien spouse, and must be able to show that they meet the poverty guidelines.
The married couple will need to prove that their marriage is genuine and sincere.
The alien spouse will need to pass a stringent medical exam prior to their interview.

CR1 Spouse Visa Philippines

IR1 Spouse Visa Requirements

The requirements for the IR1 Visa are pretty much the same as a CR1 Spouse Visa.

The process unfortunately goes much slower if you are an LPR – Legal Permanent Resident, but you can still file the I-130 to petition of your immediate relative spouse, also the sponsor must have maintained a domicile U.S. address for the past 6-months prior to filing.

The couple will be granted an IR1 Spouse Visa if they have been married two or more years at the time of filing the I-130.

It may be required at the interview to actually provide more supporting documents to prove that your marriage is genuine and sincere?

Getting the IR1 Visa has more benefits to couples married longer than two years, but interviewers may expect more from the couple since they have been married longer and would of had enough time to accumulate evidence such as joint co-mingling bills, joint bank accounts etc.

K3 Spouse Visa Requirements

Very rarely does USCIS process paperwork for the K3 Visa anymore, even though it remains a part of the spouse visa group?

This visa can only be filed if the sponsor is a U.S. Citizen and and has maintained a U.S. domicile address for a minimum of 6-months prior to filing?

The same rule that the CR1 has, also apply to the K3 Spouse Visa. In some cases, the K3 spouse visa will allow the foreign spouse to enter the United States much sooner than CR1 and the K3 can wait in the U.S. for their adjustment of status to be completed in order to receive their 2-year green card.

More in-depth information for all three of these visas can be found here, (Read More..)

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

Spouse Visa Cost

Many people ask about the total cost for getting a U.S. spouse visa, and it depends on which one you would be granted?

We have itemized the cost of each one, as it only applies to government fees and nothing else.

Outside of the government fees there may be more expense involved, but that varies from country to country.

CR1 Spouse Visa start to finish government fees are:

Paper Filing Fee of the I-130 application. It is your first fee of $675. Affective April 01, 2024
Many months later, is the National Visa Center fee of $445.
Roughly a couple of months later will be the medical fee of $335.
After your alien spouse has received their CR1 spouse visa, there is the green card fee of $220.
Total fees paid to the government are $1,675.

IR1 Spouse Visa start to finish government fees are:

Paper Filing Fee of the I-130 application. It is your first fee of $675. Affective April 01, 2024.
Many months later, is the National Visa Center fee of $445.
Roughly a couple of months later will be the medical fee of $335.
Then after your alien spouse has received their CR1 spouse visa, there is the green card fee of $220.
Total fees paid to the government are $1,675.

K3 Spouse Visa start to finish government fees are:

Paper Filing Fee of the I-130 application. It is your first fee of $675. Affective April 01, 2024.
After the I-130 Application is approved by USCIS the next fee is the DS-160 $265.
Once NVC approves your documents the alien spouse pays the medical fee $335.
Later when the interview is done and the K3 is on U.S. soil, adjustment of status fee $1,440.
However, two formally free applications within the adjustment of status process, employment authorization, and advance parole, will now cost an additional $260 and $630, respectively.
Total fees paid to the government are $3,605.

K1 Fiance Visa comparison to the spouse visas?

Paper Filing Fee of the I-129F application. It is your first fee of $675. Affective April 01, 2024
After the I-129F Application is approved by USCIS the next fee is the DS-160 $265.
Next the alien fiance will pay the medical fee of $335.
Then after your alien fiance has received their K1 fiance visa, there is the green card fee of $1,440. Affective April 01, 2024
However, two formally free applications within the adjustment of status process, employment authorization, and advance parole, will now cost an additional $260. and $630. respectively.
Total fees paid to the government are $3,605.

You may go here to learn more details of each visa, (Read More..)

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

Financial Requirements

All U.S. Citizens and LPR green card holders who will be a sponsor to their alien spouse, must be able to demonstrate that they have the financial capability to support their alien wife or husband?

The responsibility to the sponsor may be even higher if they have dependent children?

The rule applies for the CR1 spouse visa, IR1, K3 and even the K1 fiance visa.

The nice thing about the financial process, is that you have ample time to establish yourself more while the application is being processed, because the sponsors financial records are not needed until your I-130 is approved?

On average this part can take 8 to 10 months possibly longer, before USCIS approves your application, which for some sponsors, this is a good thing as it gives them time to accumulate more tax records, checking account statements, and earn more money if needed?

When it comes to the financial records, NVC will want to take a look at everything online which is part of your online account that they provide you with.

Then again maybe 3-months later you’ll have to provide more update hard copy records to show at the embassy interview.

How much money does a sponsor need to show and what exactly does NVC and the embassy interviewers want to see from me?

There are three things that determine how much income you are suppose to make in order to qualify?

How many people will be in your family including yourself?
What state you are a resident of?
Are you serving or on duty with the U.S. Armed Forces?

You may go to the Poverty Guidelines table on USCIS website and see if you are at 125%

Here is a list of financial supporting documents that can be used in proving that you earn enough income.

Income tax records if employed, for the current and previous tax year.
Checking account statements from the current time going back 12-months.
Direct deposits, and employee pay-stubs is what they want to see going back at least 12-months.
If retired, collecting social security or (ss) disability benefits, provide certified records.
If you have assets, such as own your home or land, have stocks or life insurance that can be liquidated, provide certified records.
If you have a U.S. Saving account with an untouched balance for at least 12 months, then provide certified records.
There could be more that applies to you, and if you are unsure about what to do with any of it, you may want to contact us or some expert consultant, that could assist you?

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

Spouse Visa Timeline

Pretty much all couples will want to know what is happening with their I-130 visa application?

Unfortunately, USCIS really doesn’t do much with your application, as it only gets clocked in once they receive it, and will sit together in a tray with thousands of other applications ahead of you while many more thousands will arrive after you.

So we have put together this shorter version of how the program works and what you can expect once your application has been received at the correct USCIS address?

First of all, the CR1 Spouse Visa and the IR1 will receive the same processing times, but certain couples may have quicker processing than others, while some may face set backs?

First, about why some couples get processed quicker:

Lets say your a couple who both have been married already 3 years at the time of filing your I-130 application?

Neither one of you ever been married before except to each other? The U.S. spouse shows working at the same employer for about 5-years? The U.S. spouse has never had any criminal records?

The U.S. spouse has maintained the same address for 5-years or longer? This is the first USCIS application they ever filed?

The U.S. sponsor has tax records, bank statements, employee pay-stubs, and earns more than enough income?

USCIS together with the National Visa Center might see this as a much cleaner case that doesn’t require a whole lot of additional checking, and therefore, could get your processing done in a lot less time than a couple who may be the opposite?

Why some couples, may get hung up and could eat up several extra months of waiting?

Below is a list of items that usually keeps your application moving much slower:

Sponsor submitted the application with wrong paperwork, errors, or incomplete documents?
Filing fee was not payable to the right office or the wrong amount was not sent in?
Sponsor filed the application, but then moved later on without an address change?
Sponsor has criminal records, which require a much more in depth background check?
Sponsor didn’t list all address lived and worked at?
Dates for employment or housing do not match up between each event?
Dependent children where not mentioned?
Alien spouse has to procure police records from other countries worked in?
Alien spouse had been petitioned before but failed to mention it?
Alien spouse is having trouble passing the medical examination?

These are not all of the problems that can slow down or stop your application from moving, as the list above are some samples that we have known throughout the years?

Do K3 Spouse Visas go through the same process?

We suggest, that if the couple is newly weds, and they have a good clean case, to try getting the K3 Visa if they are in a hurry?

However, there is no guarantee at all, that USCIS and NVC will grant you a K3, and may force you to go the CR1 Spouse Visa route instead?

K3 Spouse Visa processing was intended, to process faster, as in half the time it would take to get a CR1 spouse visa?

Unless you have a really clean case, you probably should not attempt to go this route?

Couples who have a lot of time consuming add-ons in their case will not move any faster than an I-130 application filed for CR1?

CR1 Spouse Visa Philippines

Go here to see the timeline of events that take place from start to finish, (Read More..)

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024

Spouse Visa FAQ

A few of the most common questions that we get in regards to the CR1 Spouse Visa IR1 and K3 visas?

If I do not meet the financial requirements, am I allowed to have a joint sponsor?

Yes, because being married to your alien spouse makes them your family.
My alien spouse has children all younger than age 21, can I bring them also?

Yes, as long as the sponsor earns enough income, also each child is filed separately.
My alien wife and I had a child together in my wife’s country, what should I be doing?

Your child needs to be registered as a U.S. Citizen at the nearest U.S. consulate before they can come to the U.S.
Can my alien wife’s income, from her job, be combined with my income for the affidavit of support?

Only the income that he or she has in a checking or savings account, or stocks, land, house anything that was paid off and can be liquidated to cash.

In some instances, if she owned a home or apartments that are being rented or if she has an online job that can be worked from the U.S. then all of those could be included.
As the sponsor I have drug charges against me that are felonies, is this going to be a problem in my alien spouse getting a CR1 Spouse Visa?

This is a question that would require a bit more detail, as the sponsor needs to disclose certified court and police records even if expunged, sealed up?

In some cases, this could be used against you and require litigation from an immigration attorney?

But you may also not have any problems depending on the charges?

Read about IMBRA and how it affects you?

More questions about the CR1 Spouse Visa, (Read More..)

CR1 Spouse Visa Updated 2024