IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa for the United States that is specifically issued to the unmarried children (under the age of 21) of U.S. citizens. The “IR” in IR-2 stands for “Immediate Relative,” indicating that this visa category is for the immediate family members of U.S. citizens. It allows the children of U.S. citizens to immigrate to the United States and become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for an IR-2 visa, the following criteria generally apply:
- The petitioner (U.S. citizen parent) must be at least 21 years old.
- The child seeking the visa must be unmarried and under the age of 21.
- The U.S. citizen parent must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the qualifying relationship.
- Once the petition is approved, the child can apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- After receiving the visa and entering the United States, the child becomes a lawful permanent resident (LPR), which is also commonly referred to as a green card holder.
How to apply for an IR-2 visa?
To apply for an IR-2 visa, which is for unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens, the process typically involves several steps. Please keep in mind that the process may have evolved, and it’s essential to check the latest information on the official U.S. government websites or consult with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the most up-to-date requirements:
- File a Petition (Form I-130):
- The first step is for the U.S. citizen parent to file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) with USCIS. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child.
- Wait for Petition Approval:
- USCIS will review the petition and, if approved, they will notify the petitioner.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:
- Once the I-130 petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will provide further instructions, collect visa fees, and request supporting documents.
- Pay Fees:
- Pay the required fees, including the visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support fee.
- Submit Visa Application:
- Complete the Online Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260) through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Submit Supporting Documents:
- Gather the necessary supporting documents, which may include a copy of the child’s birth certificate, the I-130 approval notice, passport, medical examination results, police clearance certificates, and any other documents required by the U.S. embassy or consulate where the interview will be conducted.
- Attend a Visa Interview:
- The child, along with the U.S. citizen parent, will need to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. During the interview, the consular officer will review the application and ask questions to verify the relationship and determine the child’s eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
- Medical Examination:
- Undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician as instructed by the embassy or consulate.
- Visa Approval:
- If the visa is approved, the child will receive a visa stamp in their passport, allowing them to travel to the United States.
- Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee:
- Before traveling to the U.S., the child will be required to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online.
- Travel to the United States:
- Once the child arrives in the U.S., they will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry, and upon approval, they will become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
