IR6 Green Card Explained: Eligibility, Benefits, and Key Differences
The U.S. immigration system offers several family-based green card categories, and the IR6 Green Card is one of the most valuable for spouses of U.S. citizens. Unlike conditional green cards (such as CR1), the IR6 category grants permanent residency immediately to spouses in marriages that are at least two years old.
If you are married to a U.S. citizen and your marriage meets this requirement, the IR6 Green Card may be the simplest, most secure path to U.S. residency.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how the IR6 works, its benefits, eligibility requirements, how it compares to other categories, and common FAQs.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts: IR6 Green Card
- Category: Immediate Relative (IR) Green Card
- For: Spouses of U.S. citizens with marriages lasting 2+ years at approval
- Validity: 10 years (renewable)
- Conditions: None (permanent from day one)
- Path to Citizenship: Eligible in 3 years (if still married to U.S. citizen)
- Work & Travel: Authorized immediately
What Is the IR6 Green Card?
The IR6 is a family-based green card under the Immediate Relative (IR) category. It is specifically designed for:
- Foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens
- Where the marriage has lasted at least two years at the time of green card approval
This distinguishes it from the CR1 (Conditional Resident) green card, which applies to marriages of less than two years. With IR6, you receive a 10-year permanent green card right away, without any conditions or additional requirements.
How Does the IR6 Process Work?
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Petition by U.S. Citizen Spouse
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS.
- Choose the Application Path
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if you’re already in the U.S.
- Form DS-260 (Consular Processing) if you’re outside the U.S.
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Marriage certificate, financial evidence, proof of bona fide marriage, etc.
- Attend Interview
- Both spouses may be asked to attend a USCIS or consular interview.
- Approval & Green Card Issuance
- If approved and the marriage is 2+ years old, the spouse receives an IR6 green card.
Benefits of the IR6 Green Card
Holding an IR6 green card offers several advantages:
- ✅ Permanent Residency from the start (valid for 10 years)
- ✅ Work Authorization without needing a separate EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
- ✅ Freedom to Travel in and out of the U.S.
- ✅ Eligibility for Citizenship in 3 years if still married to a U.S. citizen (5 years otherwise)
- ✅ Access to Public Benefits, healthcare, and education opportunities
- ✅ No Quota Limits (immediate relatives are not subject to visa caps)
Who Is Eligible for IR6?
You may qualify for an IR6 green card if:
- You are married to a U.S. citizen
- Your marriage is at least two years old at the time of approval
- You are applying through either adjustment of status (inside U.S.) or consular processing (outside U.S.)
Pros and Cons of the IR6 Green Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Permanent from day one (no conditions) | Processing times can be lengthy (months to years) |
| Renewable every 10 years | Requires strong proof of bona fide marriage |
| Grants work and travel rights | Renewal requires filing Form I-90 |
| Pathway to citizenship in 3 years | Renewal costs and USCIS backlogs |
| No visa caps (unlimited visas available) | Must maintain residency to keep status |
When Should You Opt for IR6?
The IR6 is the right choice when:
- Your marriage has lasted 2+ years by the time of green card approval
- You want to avoid conditional residency (CR1)
- You are seeking a long-term residency solution with fewer restrictions
- You eventually plan to apply for U.S. citizenship
Validity and Renewal Process
- The IR6 green card is valid for 10 years.
- To renew, file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) about 6 months before expiration.
- Renewal does not require proof of ongoing marriage since IR6 is permanent from issuance.
IR6 Green Card vs. U.S. Citizenship
While the IR6 offers long-term residency, it differs from U.S. citizenship in key ways:
| Feature | IR6 Green Card | U.S. Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Voting Rights | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| U.S. Passport | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Deportation Protection | Limited | Full |
| Duration | Renewable every 10 years | Permanent |
| Eligibility | Pathway after 3 years (if married to U.S. citizen) | N/A |
IR6 vs. IR1 Green Card
Both IR1 and IR6 apply to spouses of U.S. citizens married for more than 2 years. The distinction lies in application type:
| Feature | IR1 | IR6 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Immigrant Visa | Adjustment of Status / Immigrant Visa |
| Who Qualifies | Spouse of U.S. citizen (marriage 2+ years) | Same |
| Application Path | Consular Processing | Adjustment of Status (within U.S.) or consular |
| Conditions | None | None |
| Duration | 10 years | 10 years |
In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably depending on whether the spouse is applying inside or outside the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I work immediately after getting IR6?
Yes. IR6 green card holders are authorized to work in the U.S. without a separate work permit.
What if my marriage is less than 2 years old?
You will receive a CR1 conditional green card, valid for 2 years. After that, you must file to remove conditions.
Do I need to remain married after receiving IR6?
For renewal, no. However, to apply for citizenship after 3 years, you must remain married to the U.S. citizen spouse.
Q4: Is there a cap or lottery for IR6 visas?
No. Immediate relatives are not subject to annual visa limits.
What documents are needed for IR6?
Marriage certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship of spouse, financial affidavits, photos, and proof of bona fide relationship.
Understanding Green Card and Citizenship Options in the U.S.
How to Prepare for Your USCIS Naturalization Interview: A Practical Guide
Need guidance with your IR6 application?
The IR6 Green Card is one of the most secure and straightforward paths for spouses of U.S. citizens. It eliminates conditional residency, grants immediate work rights, and provides a pathway to citizenship.
At Lunel Law, we help families navigate U.S. immigration with clarity and care.
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