United States sponsored visas
This page covers visa and entry requirements for joining a husband or wife in the United States. The route is the same for every nationality: a US citizen sponsor files a petition, and the spouse is interviewed at the US embassy or consulate in their own country. Which visa is issued depends only on how long you have been married. Couples married for two years or more at the point of entry receive an IR-1 and a ten year green card, while couples married for less than two years receive a CR-1 and a green card that is conditional for the first two years. Spouses of green card holders rather than citizens apply in a separate category, F2A, which has annual limits and a waiting list. Each guide on this page is written for applicants holding a specific passport, so you can find the exact documents, consulate and requirements that apply to you.