Is Cr1 given less preference than IR1?

[Niblet & J 0]

On the monthly visa issuance statistics I notice CR1s are issued a lot less than IR1s and IR5s.  Is it just because there are  fewer applicants in this category or are they not considered as important as IR1 and IR5?

[Redro 4,611]

8 minutes ago, Niblet & J said:

On the monthly visa issuance statistics I notice CR1s are issued a lot less than IR1s and IR5s.  Is it just because there are  fewer applicants in this category or are they not considered as important as IR1 and IR5?

CR1 is for marriages 2 years or less.

IR1 is for marriages over 2 years.

Average time for spousal visa process is 1.5- 2 years.

After 2 years CR1 converts automatically to IR1.

Some applicants delay the petition/visa application/entry to US to secure IR1 and avoid having to file removal of conditions. 

Some consulates also have a very big backlog so the spousal visa process takes over 2 years (sometimes more than 3).

So someone might apply just after marriage as a CR1 but receive IR1 because they received their visa after the 2 year anniversary. 

Edited April 26, 2022 by ROK2USA

[Niblet & J 0]

Ohhh that makes sense. I didnt think of it that way. 

[Redro 4,611]

3 minutes ago, Niblet & J said:

Ohhh that makes sense. I didnt think of it that way. 

If you follow timelines here on VJ,  you'll see USCIS processing times for I-130s are all over the place. 

Some people get approved after 70-90 days and they file the day after their wedding. 

Others wait 1+ year for I-130 approval even though they have children and have been married for several years. 

Then NVC takes 3 months without RFE then waiting for interview date depends on consulate... 

There is no discrimination when it comes to CR1 vs IR1. 

Common advice on VJ is- if you interview very close to your 2 year wedding anniversary you should try to delay your move to the US so you arrive after the anniversary. 

This can save you some money 😉

[Niblet & J 0]

Wow that's great advice thanks!!

We aren't even DQed yet - submitted papers in Feb to NVC. 

Looking at the current DQ dates (Jun 21/ Jul 21) that have received interview letters this month, I think it is more than likely we will get the interview around our 2nd anniversary. 

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

2 hours ago, Niblet & J said:

Wow that's great advice thanks!!

We aren't even DQed yet - submitted papers in Feb to NVC. 

Looking at the current DQ dates (Jun 21/ Jul 21) that have received interview letters this month, I think it is more than likely we will get the interview around our 2nd anniversary. 

Take it from personal experience- Enter the US after 2 years of marriage if possible.  Avoiding the Removal of Conditions will save you a LOT of trouble.....and money.

Edited April 26, 2022 by Crazy Cat