K-1 vs IR-1/CR-1: which US visa is right for you?
Marrying a US citizen: the K-1 fiancé(e) visa lets you enter then marry within 90 days, while the IR-1/CR-1 is for couples already married and grants a green card on arrival.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) | IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card (IR-1/CR-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For the foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen entering to marry within 90 days of arrival. | For the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States. |
| Government cost | ~US$675 I-129F petition fee plus US$265 K visa application fee | ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee (or US$1,440 I-485 if adjusting) |
| Processing time | ~10-16 months from petition to visa issuance | ~12-18 months (varies by service center and consulate) |
| Length of stay | Single entry; must marry within 90 days then adjust status | Permanent (CR-1 conditional if married under 2 years; IR-1 if over 2 years) |
| Where to apply | Petition filed in the US; visa stamped at a consulate abroad | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Work rights | May apply for work authorization after arrival | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Pathway to PR | After marriage, file I-485 to adjust to permanent residence; leads to a green card. | Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen. |
Which is right for you?
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1)
For the foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen entering to marry within 90 days of arrival.
Full K-1 guide →IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card (IR-1/CR-1)
For the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States.
Full IR-1/CR-1 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, K-1 or IR-1/CR-1?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) is the lowest at ~US$675 I-129F petition fee plus US$265 K visa application fee. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, K-1 or IR-1/CR-1?
Indicatively K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) is the quickest at ~10-16 months from petition to visa issuance. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
IR-1/CR-1 is permanent. K-1: After marriage, file I-485 to adjust to permanent residence; leads to a green card. IR-1/CR-1: Is itself a green card; spouse can naturalize after 3 years if still married to the US citizen.
What's the main difference between K-1 and IR-1/CR-1?
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) is for for the foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen entering to marry within 90 days of arrival. IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green Card (IR-1/CR-1) is for for the foreign spouse of a US citizen immigrating to live permanently in the United States.