IR-1 Visa Attorney in Washington D.C.

What Is an IR-1 Visa?

The IR-1 visa, also known as an Immediate Relative visa, is a type of U.S. immigrant visa granted to foreign spouses of U.S. citizens. This visa falls under the family-based green card category and is often referred to as the Spouse Green Card.

This visa provides immediate and unrestricted permanent residency upon entering the United States, making it particularly beneficial for spouses who have been married for more than two years. It’s important to note that the IR-1 visa is initially valid for a period of 10 years. Once approved, the foreign spouse can travel freely to the U.S. and upon entry, they become lawful permanent residents.

If you are looking to obtain a visa and fall into this category, our legal team at Patel Law Group can help. Our IR-1 visa attorney has over a decade of experience in immigration law matters and will work with you or your loved one to understand the unique circumstances of your case while walking you through the application process.

Call us at (888) 223-8176 to schedule a consultation today!

Who Qualifies for an IR-1 Visa?

To qualify for an IR-1 visa, the couple must be legally married and able to provide a valid marriage certificate. The U.S. sponsor, or petitioner, must be at least 18 years old and have a residence in the U.S. Another essential requirement is that the U.S. citizen spouse should have a valid address within the U.S. and the capability to support the foreign spouse.

Process of Obtaining an IR-1 Visa

The process of obtaining an IR-1 visa is unique to every petitioner, but typically involves several steps:

1. File a Petition: The U.S. citizen spouse (also known as the petitioner) must file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
2. Consular Processing: After the petition is approved, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center for processing.
3. Document Submission: The foreign spouse, also known as the beneficiary, and the U.S. petitioner must submit certain documents, including civil documents, police certificates, and financial documents.
4. Visa Application: The foreign spouse must complete Form DS-260 from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
5. Medical Examination and Vaccinations: The beneficiary must attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
6. Interview: The beneficiary must attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
7. Visa Insurance: If the visa is approved, it will be issued to the beneficiary.
8. Travel to the U.S.: The beneficiary is now able to travel to the U.S. on their IR-1 visa and upon entry, they become a lawful permanent resident and will receive their Green Card in the mail.

It’s important to note that the processing time can vary, but generally takes between 6 to 12 months. An experienced attorney can not only help you avoid pitfalls in the application process but help ensure that all legal documentation is filled out accurately, completely, and on time.

For legal support and guidance in obtaining your IR-1 visa, turn to our experienced team at Patel Law Group. Call us at (888) 223-8176 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.