IR-1 / CR-1

IR-1 / CR-1 Immigrant Visa for Spouse of a U.S. Citizen for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The IR-1 / CR-1 visa is an immigrant visa that allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to permanently live and work in the United States. This visa leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon entry to the U.S.
The IR-1 / CR-1 category remains fully available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens.

The difference between IR-1 and CR-1 depends only on the length of the marriage, not on eligibility quality.

Difference between IR-1 and CR-1

IR-1 (Immediate Relative):

• Marriage duration: more than 2 years at the time of U.S. entry

• Green Card validity: 10 years

• No conditions attached

CR-1 (Conditional Resident):

• Marriage duration: less than 2 years at the time of U.S. entry

• Green Card validity: 2 years

• Conditions must be removed later

Both categories provide identical rights at entry.

What the IR-1 / CR-1 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work permits

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

Permanent residence begins immediately upon entry.

What the IR-1 / CR-1 visa does NOT allow

• Marriage solely for immigration purposes

• Sponsorship without sufficient financial ability

• Avoidance of immigration compliance

• Ignoring removal of conditions for CR-1 holders

Marriage fraud leads to lifetime immigration bans.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are legally married to a U.S. citizen

• The marriage is genuine and bona fide

• The U.S. citizen sponsor meets financial requirements

• Both spouses intend to live together as a family

The location of marriage does not matter.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Authenticity of the marital relationship

• Shared life evidence (communication, finances, history)

• Consistency of personal stories

• Prior immigration or marriage history

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-focused, not document-count focused.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen sponsor must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income thresholds

• Accept long-term financial responsibility

A joint sponsor may be used if needed.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry leads to permanent resident status

• CR-1 holders must remove conditions after 2 years

• Green Card allows unlimited residence and employment

• Long absences may affect residency status

Permanent residence carries legal obligations.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient proof of genuine marriage

• Inconsistent interview answers

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Suspected marriage fraud

Strong preparation is critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the U.S. citizen spouse

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies significantly.

Important note for 2026

• IR-1 / CR-1 visas are fully available in 2026

• No annual quotas apply

• Immediate relatives are prioritized under U.S. law