Costs of a Foreign Wife for Americans

The CR-1 (Conditional Resident) visa allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Unlike the K-1 fiancé(e) visa, the CR-1 automatically grants a green card upon entry, meaning your spouse does not need to apply separately for adjustment of status.

Key Benefits of CR-1 Visa

✅ Green card upon arrival (No adjustment of status needed).

✅ Work authorization immediately upon entry.

✅ No need for a fiancé visa (K-1) since you’re already married.

CR-1 vs. K-1 Visa

Feature	CR-1 Visa	K-1 Visa
Who it's for	Married couples	Engaged couples
Processing Time	12–18 months	6–12 months
Green Card Upon Arrival?	✅ Yes	❌ No (Must apply later)
Total Estimated Cost	~$1,500 – $2,000	~$2,225 – $3,325
Work Authorization	✅ Immediate	❌ Takes 5–8 months
Adjustment of Status Needed?	❌ No	✅ Yes ($1,225 fee)

CR-1 Visa Process & Timeline (Thailand)

The process typically takes 12–18 months and involves the following steps:

1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
• Processing time: 6–12 months

2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

• Once the petition is approved, it moves to the NVC, where you submit financial documents (Affidavit of Support) and pay fees.
• Processing time: 2–4 months

3. Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy in Thailand

• Your spouse attends a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
• Processing time: 1–3 months

4. Visa Approval & U.S. Entry

• If approved, your spouse receives a CR-1 visa (valid for 6 months).
• After entering the U.S., a green card is mailed automatically within a few months.

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CR-1 Visa Costs (2024 Estimates)

Expense	Estimated Cost
Form I-130 (USCIS petition)	$675 (as of April 1, 2024)
NVC Fees (DS-260 & Affidavit of Support)	$445
Medical Exam (Varies by Country)	$100 – $300
USCIS Immigrant Fee (for Green Card processing)	$220
Total Estimated Cost	$1,440 – $1,640