Family-Based Green Card
Explore the main visa categories that allow foreign spouses and fiancés to legally live in the United States. At Alfa Alexandre Law Firm, we guide you through every step of the process with care, strategy, and full compliance with U.S. immigration law. Below are the main categories available for family-based immigration:
K-1 Visa – Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen
The K-1 visa allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States in order to get married within 90 days of arrival.
After the marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for Adjustment of Status to obtain a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident.
K-3 Visa – Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (Temporary Entry)
Created to shorten the separation time between married couples.
The K-3 visa allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter and stay in the U.S. while the immigrant visa process is pending.
Note: The K-3 is rarely used today, as the IR-1 visa is often faster and more efficient.
IR-1 Visa – Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (Marriage Over 2 Years)
This category is for spouses who have been married for more than 2 years at the time the petition is approved.
The IR-1 visa grants permanent residency (Green Card) with full rights to live, work, and study in the United States.
CR-1 Visa – Conditional Resident (Marriage Less Than 2 Years)
This visa is for spouses who have been married for less than 2 years.
It provides a Conditional Green Card, valid for 2 years. The foreign spouse can live, work, and study in the U.S. during this time.
To obtain full permanent residency, the couple must later file to remove the conditions on the Green Card.