IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa: photo and application guide
Permanent residence for a foreign spouse of a US citizen; comes with a green card on entry.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-260 · $325 application fee
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-260 (immigrant visa application) after USCIS I-130 petition approval and pay $325 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor. Processing time 12–18 months total (USCIS petition 8–12 months + NVC + consulate 3–6 months). Interview: Yes, mandatory in-person interview at the consulate. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | IR-1/CR-1 Immediate Relative Spouse Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Permanent residence for a foreign spouse of a US citizen; comes with a green card on entry. |
| Application form | DS-260 (immigrant visa application) after USCIS I-130 petition approval |
| Fee | $325 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor |
| Processing time | 12–18 months total (USCIS petition 8–12 months + NVC + consulate 3–6 months) |
| Interview | Yes, mandatory in-person interview at the consulate |
| Official portal | US Department of State — IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-260 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral or natural closed-mouth smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa
The spouse visa uses DS-260 (immigrant visa) rather than DS-160 (non-immigrant). Photo requirements are identical but the form submission flow goes through the National Visa Center (NVC) first. Two passport-style photos must be mailed to NVC in physical form even though the digital file is also uploaded.
Frequently asked questions about the IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa
What size photo do I need for a IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown.
What form do I file for a IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa?
DS-260 (immigrant visa application) after USCIS I-130 petition approval. The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
How much does the IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa cost?
$325 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
How long does the IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa take to process?
12–18 months total (USCIS petition 8–12 months + NVC + consulate 3–6 months). Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
Is the IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa interview mandatory?
Yes, mandatory in-person interview at the consulate. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your IR-1/CR-1 spouse visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.