My wife has F1 visa.

[Craig D. 0]

We are planning to apply for green card for her.

What's the difference between IR and CR types of visa?

I have A LOT of questions, but let's do it step by step.

The first question:

1. What's the difference between IR and CR types of visa?

[wilzhen 3]

When applying to CR type of visa, marriage is less than 2 years

and with IR type of visa, marriage is more than 2 years

[cathy2904 97]

Welcome to Visa Journey.

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/IR1_and_CR1_Immigrant_Visas

Differences Between IR1 and CR1 Visas

IR1 (IR stands for "Immediate Relative") Visas entitle their holder to receive Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 10 years (may be renewed)

CR1 (CR stands for "Conditional Residency") Visas entitle their holder to receive "Conditional" Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 2 years

The deciding factor on which visa an applicant is issued (IR1 versus CR1 visa) is the amount of time that they have been married at the time the visa is issued. If an applicant has been married to their US Citizen spouse for a period of two years or greater they will be issued an IR1 Visa. If they have been married less than two years they will be issued a CR1 Visa. A CR1 Visa will result in the applicant obtaining "conditional" permanent residency within the US and after a period of two years the applicant can apply to "Remove Conditions" 90 days before the conditional permanent resident card expires and they will be issued a regular 10 year green card.

Edited April 17, 2012 by cathy2904

[canadian_wife 1,829]

If she is now in the US she does not need a visa

Visas are for people who want to enter the US, she is already here

You want to adjust her status from student to LPR. Read the guides

Good luck

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas forum; OP's spouse already in the US as indicated by the OP.

[Little_My 464]

Here's the relevant guide for you: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

As noted by canadian_wife, your wife does not need a visa, as she is already in the US. She will be adjusting her status from F1 to legal permanent resident, i.e. a greencard holder. The process will take you on average 5-7 months from filing the paperwork to getting the GC if all goes well, and it'll make about a $2,000 dent in your bank account balance.