NRI marriage in India — visa paths explained (2026)

Updated 2026-05-17 · Manzil Editorial Team

USA — K-1 fiancé or CR-1 / IR-1 spousal

K-1 fiancé visa: Indian fiancé enters USA, marries within 90 days, applies for green card. Timeline: 8-18 months. CR-1/IR-1: marry in India first, then apply for spousal immigration. Timeline: 12-24 months. CR-1 generally faster to permanent residency; K-1 faster to physical relocation. Both require US-citizen / green-card sponsor income above poverty guidelines.

UK — Spouse / partner visa

Apply after marriage. UK sponsor must meet £29,000+ minimum income (2026 threshold; check current rules). Documentation: marriage certificate, relationship evidence (photos, messages, joint accounts), accommodation proof, English-language test for Indian partner. Initial visa: 2.5 years, extendable; ILR eligible after 5 years.

Canada — Spousal sponsorship

Apply after marriage. Sponsor must be Canadian citizen / permanent resident over 18. No minimum income requirement for spousal (unlike for other dependents). Documentation: marriage certificate, relationship evidence, sponsor declarations. Timeline: 12-18 months. Permanent residency on arrival.

Australia — Partner visa (subclass 309/100 or 820/801)

Apply after marriage or after 12 months of de-facto relationship. Sponsor must be Australian citizen / permanent resident. Two-stage: provisional then permanent. Timeline: 18-30 months. No minimum income requirement.

Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore) — Dependent visa

Apply after marriage. Sponsor must be employed in destination country with valid work visa above the income threshold (varies by country and emirate). Documentation: marriage certificate (attested), sponsor employment contract, salary slip. Timeline: 1-3 months. Renewable annually.

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