The IR-2 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa category designed for the children of U.S. citizens who are under the age of 21 and unmarried. This visa allows these children to immigrate to the United States and obtain lawful permanent residency (green card) based on their parent’s U.S. citizenship.
Here are some key points about the IR-2 visa:
Eligibility: To be eligible for an IR-2 visa, the child must meet the following criteria:
- Be under the age of 21 and unmarried.
- Have at least one U.S. citizen parent.
- Have a valid and approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen parent on their behalf.
Application Process: The process for obtaining an IR-2 visa generally involves the following steps:
- The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the parent-child relationship.
- Once the I-130 petition is approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
- The NVC contacts the petitioner (U.S. citizen parent) and the beneficiary (child) to provide instructions for further steps, including the submission of required documents and fees.
- After the NVC processes the documents, the case is forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country.
- The child and any accompanying family members attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The purpose of the interview is to determine the child’s eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
- If the visa is approved, the child can enter the U.S. on the IR-2 visa. Upon entry, they become lawful permanent residents.
Benefits: Once the child enters the U.S. on an IR-2 visa and becomes a lawful permanent resident, they have the right to live and work in the U.S. and can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements.
It’s important to note that the immigration process can be complex, and requirements may change over time. If you are a U.S. citizen parent considering applying for an IR-2 visa for your child, it’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or seek guidance from the official U.S. government sources, such as the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
IR-2 visa cost
The cost associated with obtaining an IR-2 visa (U.S. immigrant visa for children of U.S. citizens under 21) can vary based on several factors, including the specific steps of the process and the U.S. government fees involved. Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s recommended to check the official U.S. Department of State website or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date fee information. Here’s a general breakdown of potential fees:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: This fee is paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the parent-child relationship. As of my last update, this fee was $535.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing Fee: Once the I-130 petition is approved, the NVC will request payment for the visa processing fee. This fee covers administrative processing and support services. As of my last update, this fee was $325.
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: This fee is paid to the U.S. embassy or consulate when the child and accompanying family members attend the visa interview. As of my last update, this fee was $325.
- Medical Examination: Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The cost of the medical examination can vary by location.
- Other Costs: Additional costs may include costs for obtaining required civil documents, translation services, travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate for the visa interview, and any other related expenses.
Keep in mind that these fees are just part of the overall cost associated with obtaining an IR-2 visa. There may be other costs associated with travel, medical examinations, and document preparation. It’s highly recommended to consult the official U.S. government sources and possibly seek advice from an immigration attorney to ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date information regarding the fees and process specific to your situation.
IR-2 processing time
The processing time for an IR-2 visa (U.S. immigrant visa for children of U.S. citizens under 21) can vary based on a range of factors, including the specific circumstances of the case, the U.S. embassy or consulate’s workload, the accuracy and completeness of the application, and any potential administrative or security checks. The general overview of the processing timeline:
- Form I-130 Processing: The processing time for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can vary depending on the USCIS service center processing the petition and the current caseload. It can take several months to over a year to receive approval of the I-130 petition.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once the I-130 petition is approved, it is transferred to the NVC for further processing. The NVC will provide instructions on how to proceed and may request additional documentation. This stage can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the NVC’s workload.
- Embassy/Consulate Processing: After the NVC completes its processing, the case is forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. The embassy or consulate will schedule a visa interview for the child and any accompanying family members. The wait time for the interview appointment can vary depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload and the availability of interview slots.
- Visa Interview: The visa interview is a crucial step in the process. During the interview, the child and accompanying family members will be questioned about their eligibility for the IR-2 visa. If everything goes well, the visa might be approved on the same day as the interview, or additional administrative processing might be required.
- Visa Issuance and Travel: If the visa is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue the immigrant visa. The child can then travel to the United States. Upon entry to the U.S., the child becomes a lawful permanent resident.
It’s important to note that processing times can change over time due to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, the volume of applications, and staffing levels at USCIS and U.S. embassies/consulates. To get the most accurate and up-to-date processing time estimates for the IR-2 visa, it’s recommended to regularly check the official U.S. Department of State website or contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Consulting with an immigration attorney can also provide valuable insights into the specific processing times for your situation.
IR-2 visa checklist of required documents
The specific required documents for an IR-2 visa (U.S. immigrant visa for children of U.S. citizens under 21) may vary based on your individual circumstances, the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying, and any specific instructions provided by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the embassy/consulate. However, here’s a general checklist of documents that are often required or recommended for the IR-2 visa application process:
For the U.S. Citizen Petitioner:
- Copy of the U.S. citizen parent’s valid passport or U.S. birth certificate.
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with appropriate fees (receipt notice or approval notice).
- Proof of the parent-child relationship, such as the child’s birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
For the Child Applying for the IR-2 Visa:
- Valid passport for the child.
- Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, completed and submitted online.
- Two passport-sized photos that meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Birth certificate for the child, showing the names of both parents.
- Marriage certificate of the child’s parents.
- Police certificates (criminal background checks) from all countries where the child has lived for more than six months since the age of 16.
- Medical examination results from an approved panel physician.
Additional Documents:
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) completed by the U.S. citizen petitioner. This form demonstrates the petitioner’s ability to financially support the intending immigrant.
- Proof of financial ability, such as recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and employment verification.
- Proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization.
- Proof of the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child, such as photos, correspondence, or other documents showing a genuine parent-child relationship.
- Any documents required by the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will be conducted.
Please note that the above list is a general guideline and not exhaustive. The U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case may have specific instructions or additional document requirements. It’s recommended to refer to the official U.S. Department of State website for the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on required documents and the visa application process. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance tailored to your situation.
