Everything You Need for CR-1/IR-1A complete, well-organized document package is the single biggest factor in keeping your CR-1/IR-1 marriage visa case moving without delays. This checklist walks through what’s needed at each stage — from the initial I-130 petition through the consular interview — so you know what to gather and when.## Stage 1: Form I-130 Petition (Filed by the U.S. Citizen Sponsor)To petition for your spouse, you’ll need:- **Form I-130** (Petition for Alien Relative), completed and signed- **Form I-130A** (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary), completed by the foreign spouse- Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card)- Marriage certificate, officially issued and translated into English if originally in another language- Proof that any previous marriages (either spouse’s) were legally terminated — divorce decrees or death certificates- Passport-style photos of both spouses- Evidence of a bona fide marriage (see the dedicated section below)## Stage 2: National Visa Center (NVC) ProcessingOnce USCIS approves the I-130, the case moves to the NVC, which requires:- **Form DS-260** (Online Immigrant Visa Application), completed by the foreign spouse- **Form I-864** (Affidavit of Support), completed by the sponsor, proving income at or above 125% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines for household size- Supporting financial evidence: recent tax returns (typically the most recent year, sometimes three), W-2s, pay stubs, and an employment verification letter- If the sponsor’s income is insufficient, a **joint sponsor’s** completed I-864 and matching financial evidence- Civil documents for the foreign spouse: valid passport, birth certificate, and police certificates from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 16- Military records, if applicable- Payment confirmation for the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee ($325) and Affidavit of Support Fee ($120)## Stage 3: Medical Exam and Final Documents- **Medical examination** completed by an approved panel physician, including required vaccinations- Updated passport-style photos if the originals have expired or aged out of validity windows- Any documents showing changes in circumstances since filing (new job, new address, birth of a child)## Evidence of a Bona Fide MarriageThis category matters at every stage and is scrutinized most heavily at the interview. Strong evidence typically includes:- **Financial commingling:** joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, shared loans or mortgages- **Shared living arrangements:** lease agreements or mortgage documents listing both spouses, utility bills in both names- **Insurance:** life, health, or auto insurance policies naming each other as beneficiary or joint policyholder- **Documentation of the relationship’s history:** photos spanning different time periods and occasions, travel records, correspondence- **Third-party affidavits:** sworn statements from friends or family members who can attest to the relationship’s authenticity- **Children together**, if applicable — birth certificates naming both parentsThe goal is a record that shows a relationship developing and deepening over time, not a snapshot assembled only for the application.## Special Situations- **Divorce or widowhood:** Include final divorce decrees or death certificates for any prior marriages, for both spouses.- **Adjustment of status instead of consular processing:** If the foreign spouse is already lawfully in the U.S., the document set shifts to include Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), along with a medical exam completed by a U.S.-based civil surgeon rather than an overseas panel physician.- **Name discrepancies:** If any document shows a different name (e.g., before/after marriage), include supporting evidence such as the marriage certificate or a legal name-change order to establish the connection.## Organization Tips- Keep an index or cover sheet listing every document included, in the order requested.- Label translated documents clearly, and ensure translations include a certification statement from the translator.- Keep both scanned digital copies and physical originals — physical originals are typically required at the interview even after digital submission earlier in the process.- Track expiration dates on police certificates and medical exams, since these are often valid for a limited window and may need to be redone if your case is delayed.## Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid- Submitting a financial affidavit without adequate supporting tax and income evidence- Relying only on a marriage certificate and a few photos as proof of a bona fide marriage, with no financial or logistical evidence of shared life- Letting police certificates or medical exams expire due to processing delays- Inconsistent names, addresses, or dates across different forms and supporting documentsA thorough, well-labeled document package won’t guarantee approval on its own, but incomplete or disorganized filings are one of the most common — and most avoidable — causes of delay in marriage-based green card cases.This checklist reflects general 2026 requirements. Confirm current forms, fees, and document specifics directly with USCIS and the Department of State before filing, as requirements are updated periodically.
