1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
IR1/CR1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
Visa Description: IR1 and CR1 visas are designed for spouses of U.S. citizens. The IR1 (Immediate Relative 1) visa applies to marriages that have lasted more than two years, granting the applicant permanent resident (green card) status immediately upon entry to the U.S. The CR1 (Conditional Resident 1) visa is for marriages shorter than two years, providing a two-year conditional green card initially. Before the two-year period expires, applicants must apply to remove the conditions and transition to a permanent green card.
IR2: Unmarried Children Under 21 of a U.S. Citizen
Visa Description: The IR2 visa allows unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens to immigrate to the United States and obtain permanent resident status immediately. This visa category has no quota limitations, usually resulting in a shorter processing time.
IR3: Adopted Children of a U.S. Citizen (Adopted Abroad)
Visa Description: The IR3 visa is for children legally adopted abroad by U.S. citizens. When the U.S. citizen and their spouse complete the adoption process together in the child’s country of birth, and the adoption procedure is recognized by the U.S. government, the IR3 visa can grant the child immediate permanent resident status.
IR4: Children to Be Adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. Citizen
Visa Description: The IR4 visa applies to children who will be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen. When the adoption process cannot be completed in the child's home country, the IR4 visa allows the child to enter the U.S. as a non-permanent resident and adjust their status to permanent resident once the adoption is finalized.
IR5: Parents of a U.S. Citizen
Visa Description: The IR5 visa is specifically for parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old, allowing them to immigrate to the United States and gain permanent resident status. This visa has no quota limitations, but applicants must pass medical examinations and background checks.
IW: Widows or Widowers of Deceased U.S. Citizens
Visa Description: The IW visa provides a path to a green card for widows or widowers of U.S. citizens. Applicants must apply within two years of the citizen's death and demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage. Successful applicants receive immediate permanent resident status.
K1: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen
Visa Description: The K1 visa is a non-immigrant visa with the purpose of facilitating immigration status adjustment. K1 visa holders must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entering the U.S., after which they can apply for Adjustment of Status to become a permanent resident.
K3: Certain Spouses and Minor Children of U.S. Citizens
Visa Description: The K3 visa allows married foreign spouses and minor children to travel to the U.S. while waiting for the approval of an immigrant visa application. This visa typically applies when the I-130 immigration petition has been filed but not yet approved, helping families reunite sooner.