Deciding between CR1 and IR1 visa is very important in 2026. New USCIS fees started on January 1, 2026. There is also a visa pause from January 21, 2026 that affects 75 countries. Many times, the best choice depends on one thing — your second wedding anniversary date.
Both visas give you a green card. But choosing the wrong one can cost you extra $750 or more in fees. It can also mean three years or longer of I-751 paperwork problems. This guide explains everything in simple words. It shows you how to use the current 17-month I-130 waiting time to get the better IR1 visa.
The Core Difference: Conditional vs. Permanent Status 2026
The biggest difference between CR1 and IR1 is the type of green card you get when you enter the United States.
CR1 Visa (Conditional)
- You get CR1 if you have been married for less than 2 years on the day you enter the USA.
- The green card is only valid for 2 years.
- It is called a conditional green card.
- After 2 years, you must apply to remove conditions.
IR1 Visa (Immediate Relative)
- You get IR1 if you have been married for 2 years or more on the day you enter the USA.
- You receive a 10-year permanent green card right away.
- No conditions.
- No need to file extra forms after 2 years.
Why the IR1 is the “Gold Standard”
In 2026, most people prefer IR1 very much. If you enter on CR1, you must file Form I-751 about 90 days before your 2-year card expires. Right now, there is a very big backlog for I-751 cases. Many people wait 2 to 4 years or more to get approval. During this time, they live in stress. They use extension letters for work and travel. IR1 saves you from all this trouble.
The 2026 Decision Factor: Strategic Timing
Today, most marriage green card cases take 14 to 18 months to finish. Many couples file when they are newly married. By the time the visa interview comes, they are close to 2 years of marriage. This gives you a big chance to get IR1.
The Two-Year Anniversary Trigger
Important rule in 2026: The visa type (CR1 or IR1) depends on your marriage length on the day you enter the USA. It does not depend on the day you file the I-130 form.
Pro Tip for 2026 If your interview is set at month 23 of your marriage, you can do one smart thing. Wait a few weeks before you travel to the USA. Cross the 24-month mark before you enter. Many times, this changes your visa to IR1 automatically. This small delay can save you a lot of money and stress later.
Financial Breakdown: Total USA Spousal Visa Cost 2026
Money is very important now. USCIS increased many fees from January 1, 2026.
Here are the main costs in 2026:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: $625 (online filing) Use the new digital Form I-130.
- DS-260 Immigrant Visa Fee: $325 Paid to the Department of State.
- Affidavit of Support Fee (I-864): $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee (for green card production): $235
- Medical Exam (I-693): $300 to $600 You must go to a doctor approved in 2026.
The Hidden CR1 Cost
If you enter on CR1, you must pay for Form I-751 later. The I-751 fee in 2026 is $750 or more (filing + biometrics). IR1 saves you this full amount. No I-751 = no extra $750+ and no long wait. Total cost can be $1,500 to $2,500 for the whole process. Choosing IR1 can make you save hundreds of dollars.
Also Read: Australia Work Visa Fees & Job Categories Breakdown for 2026 Applicants
New 2026 Rules & Vetting Standards
The rules are stricter now. You must show very strong proof that your marriage is real.
- Affirmative Moral Character Standard It is not enough to just be married. You must prove your marriage is bona fide (real and genuine). USCIS and the embassy check this very carefully.
- Social Media Consistency Vetting Officers look at your social media accounts. Your posts, photos, and messages must match your application story. Old photos, messages, or posts that look fake can cause big problems.
- The January 21, 2026 Visa Pause Impact If your spouse is from one of the 75 countries (for example Pakistan, Egypt, Colombia, and others), your case may get paused. Many cases now go into INA 221(g) Administrative Processing. This happens even after I-130 approval. They check “public charge” risk very strictly. This pause can add many extra months to your wait.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose CR1 if:
- You cannot wait any longer to live together.
- You are ready to do I-751 paperwork in 2 years.
- You accept the extra fee and long wait to remove conditions.
Choose IR1 if:
- You are already close to 2 years of marriage.
- Your case is in a long backlog.
- You want the 10-year green card from day one.
- You want to avoid future stress and extra costs.
Warning on ESTA to Green Card Risk 2026
Never enter the USA on tourist visa (B1/B2) or ESTA to get married and stay. USCIS checks for preconceived intent. If they find this, you can get a permanent ban for fraud. This is a very big risk in 2026.
Summary Checklist for 2026 Applicants
- Check that the sponsor earns at least $26,437 per year (for household of 2).
- Collect strong proof of real marriage (joint bank accounts, joint taxes, shared insurance, photos, chat messages).
- Get police clearance certificates for every place you lived more than 6 months.
- Check and clean your social media accounts so everything looks consistent.
- Watch your marriage anniversary date carefully.
- Be ready for possible long administrative processing if you are from certain countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the IR1 take longer to process than the CR1?
No. Both follow the same steps and same time. The only difference is the type of green card at the end.
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What happens if we cross 2 years after the interview but before entry?
This is good news! If you reach 2 years before you enter the USA, tell the officer at the airport. Many times, they can change it to IR1 right there at the port of entry.
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Is it worth waiting a few weeks to get IR1?
Yes, in most cases. You save money, time, and stress for many years.
The 2026 rules are not easy. But if you plan well and watch your dates, you can get the permanent IR1 green card from the first day.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as official government websites (uscis.gov or state.gov), before making decisions.