U.S. Spousal Visa (CR-1 or IR-1) for a Foreign national married to a U.S. citizen:

Phase 1: Preparing for the Petition (I-130 Form)

Step 1: Gather Required Documents for the U.S. Citizen (Petitioner)

• ✅ Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Passport, Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
• ✅ Marriage Certificate (Official government-issued)
• ✅ Divorce or Death Certificate (If previously married)
• ✅ Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Photos, joint bank accounts, lease agreements, messages, call logs, affidavits from family/friends)
• ✅ Proof of Physical Presence in the U.S. (If residing abroad, proof of intent to reestablish residency)
• ✅ Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) Evidence (Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, proof of assets if necessary)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents for the Vietnamese Spouse (Beneficiary)

• ✅ Vietnamese Passport (Valid for at least six months beyond intended U.S. entry)
• ✅ Birth Certificate (Certified copy from Vietnam)
• ✅ Police Clearance Certificate (From Vietnam and any other countries where the applicant lived for over 6 months after age 16)
• ✅ Divorce or Death Certificate (If previously married)

Step 3: Complete and Submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• ✅ Complete Form I-130 on USCIS website or by mail
• ✅ Pay Filing Fee ($535 – paid via check, money order, or online via credit card)
• ✅ Submit Form I-130 and Supporting Documents to USCIS Lockbox or Online Portal

Phase 2: USCIS Processing & National Visa Center (NVC) Stage

Step 4: USCIS Review (Processing Time: 6-12 months)

• ✅ Receive Receipt Notice (Form I-797) confirming petition acceptance
• ✅ Respond to any USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) if needed

Step 5: NVC Processing (After I-130 Approval)

• ✅ Receive Case Number and Invoice ID from NVC
• ✅ Pay NVC Fees (Visa Application Processing Fee $325 + Affidavit of Support Fee $120)
• ✅ Submit Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) via CEAC Portal
• ✅ Submit Financial & Civil Documents to NVC
  • Petitioner’s Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
  • Beneficiary’s Civil Documents (Passport, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Marriage Certificate, etc.)
• ✅ NVC Completes Document Review & Schedules Interview

Phase 3: U.S. Embassy Interview & Visa Issuance

Step 4: USCIS Review (Processing Time: 6-12 months)

• ✅ Receive Receipt Notice (Form I-797) confirming petition acceptance
• ✅ Respond to any USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) if needed

Step 5: NVC Processing (After I-130 Approval)

• ✅ Receive Case Number and Invoice ID from NVC
• ✅ Pay NVC Fees (Visa Application Processing Fee $325 + Affidavit of Support Fee $120)
• ✅ Submit Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) via CEAC Portal
• ✅ Submit Financial & Civil Documents to NVC
  • Petitioner’s Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
  • Beneficiary’s Civil Documents (Passport, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Marriage Certificate, etc.)
• ✅ NVC Completes Document Review & Schedules Interview

Phase 3: U.S. Embassy Interview & Visa Issuance

Step 6: Prepare for Interview at U.S. Consulate in your country of residence

• ✅ Schedule and Complete Medical Exam at an Embassy-approved clinic
• ✅ Gather Interview Documents:
  • Original Civil Documents (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Divorce Certificates, etc.)
  • Copy of DS-260 Confirmation Page
  • Medical Exam Results (Sealed)
  • Passport & Visa Photos (2×2 inches, per U.S. specifications)
  • Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Updated Photos, Communications, Financial Proof, etc.)
  • Affidavit of Support (I-864) & Financial Documents from Sponsor

Step 7: Attend Visa Interview at the U.S. Consulate

• ✅ Answer questions honestly about marriage and background
• ✅ Provide any additional requested documents if necessary
• ✅ Receive Decision (Approval, Administrative Processing, or Denial)

Phase 4: Post-Approval & U.S. Entry

Step 8: Receive Visa & Prepare for Travel

• ✅ Pick up Visa & Sealed Immigration Packet from U.S. Embassy
• ✅ Pay USCIS Immigrant Fee ($220) online before entering the U.S.
• ✅ Book Travel & Enter the U.S. within Visa Validity Period
• ✅ Provide Sealed Immigration Packet to CBP at U.S. Port of Entry
• ✅ Receive CR-1/IR-1 Stamp & Entry Confirmation

Step 9: Receive Green Card & Apply for Social Security Number

• ✅ Green Card arrives within 2-3 months after arrival
• ✅ Apply for SSN if not automatically issued

Additional Notes:

• CR-1 Visa: Conditional Residency (if marriage is less than 2 years old)
• IR-1 Visa: Immediate Permanent Residency (if marriage is 2+ years old)
• Remove Conditions (I-751 Form) for CR-1 Holders after 2 years

This step-by-step To-Do List ensures the U.S. Spousal Visa (CR-1/IR-1) process is handled smoothly and efficiently.