An IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State to unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens. The “IR” in IR-2 stands for “Immediate Relative,” which indicates that the visa category is for close family members of U.S. citizens who wish to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents.
To qualify for an IR-2 visa, the child must be the unmarried child of a U.S. citizen parent. The child’s age is a critical factor, as they must be under 21 years old to be eligible for this visa category. If the child is 21 or older, they may no longer be eligible for the IR-2 visa and may need to explore other visa options, depending on their circumstances.
The IR-2 visa is part of the Immediate Relative category, which also includes other visas such as IR-1 (spouse of a U.S. citizen) and IR-3 (orphan adopted by a U.S. citizen). The Immediate Relative category is considered a priority within the family-based immigration system, and there are no numerical limitations on the number of visas issued each year for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Once the child is granted an IR-2 visa, they can travel to the United States to live with their U.S. citizen parent and become a permanent resident. After arriving in the U.S., the child can apply for a green card (permanent residency) and, eventually, become eligible for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
It’s essential to follow the proper procedures and requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when applying for an IR-2 visa. The visa application process involves filing a petition, attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country, and meeting the necessary documentation and eligibility criteria. Consulting with an immigration attorney can be beneficial for navigating the process successfully and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
What Is the IR-2 Visa Application Process?
The IR-2 visa application process involves several steps, starting with the U.S. citizen parent filing a petition on behalf of their unmarried child to establish the relationship and initiate the immigrant visa process. Here’s an overview of the IR-2 visa application process:
Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Form I-130 is used to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and their unmarried child and to petition for the child to immigrate to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
USCIS Processing:
USCIS will review the I-130 petition and, if everything is in order, approve the petition.
Once the I-130 petition is approved, USCIS will notify both the U.S. citizen parent and the National Visa Center (NVC) of the approval.
NVC Processing:
The NVC will process the case after receiving the approved I-130 petition from USCIS.
The NVC will provide instructions to the U.S. citizen parent and collect the necessary fees and documentation for the visa application.
Affidavit of Support:
The U.S. citizen parent must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate that they can financially support the child.
Civil Documents:
The child must gather the necessary civil documents, such as a birth certificate and any marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable.
Medical Examination:
The child must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application:
The child or the U.S. citizen parent (if the child is under 16) must complete Form DS-260 online. This form is submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Visa Interview:
Once all the required documents and forms are submitted, the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country will schedule an immigrant visa interview.
During the interview, the child will be asked questions about their background and relationship with the U.S. citizen parent.
Visa Issuance:
If the interview is successful, the child will receive an immigrant visa in their passport, allowing them to travel to the U.S.
Entry to the U.S.:
After receiving the immigrant visa, the child can travel to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry will grant them admission as an IR-2 immigrant.
It’s important to note that the specific steps and processing times may vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. It’s advisable to carefully follow the instructions provided by the NVC and the U.S. embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. Additionally, seeking guidance from an immigration attorney can be helpful for navigating the process effectively.
What Happens After Submitting an IR-2 Visa Application?
After submitting an IR-2 visa application, the process involves several steps and stages, including document processing, review, and an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. Here’s an overview of what happens after submitting an IR-2 visa application:
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National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:
- Once the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the Form I-130 petition filed by the U.S. citizen parent, they will send the approved petition to the NVC.
- The NVC will process the case and send instructions to the U.S. citizen parent regarding the required fees and documentation.
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Affidavit of Support and Civil Documents:
- The U.S. citizen parent must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate their financial ability to support the child.
- The child must gather the necessary civil documents, such as a birth certificate and any marriage or divorce certificates if applicable. These documents will be needed during the visa interview.
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Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application:
- The child (or the U.S. citizen parent, if the child is under 16) must complete Form DS-260 online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
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Medical Examination:
- The child must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician. The results of the medical examination will be submitted to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
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Visa Interview:
- The U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country will schedule an immigrant visa interview.
- During the interview, the child will be asked questions about their background, relationship with the U.S. citizen parent, and eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
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Visa Issuance:
- If the interview is successful and all required documentation is in order, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue an immigrant visa to the child.
- The child will receive the immigrant visa packet, which includes important information and instructions for traveling to the U.S.
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Travel to the U.S.:
- After receiving the immigrant visa, the child can travel to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry will grant them admission as an IR-2 immigrant.
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Obtaining the Green Card (Permanent Resident Card):
- Once the child arrives in the U.S., the green card (permanent resident card) will be mailed to the U.S. address provided during the visa application process.
- The green card serves as proof of the child’s lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
It’s important to note that the specific processing times and steps may vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. It’s advisable to carefully follow the instructions provided by the NVC and the U.S. embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. Additionally, seeking guidance from an immigration attorney can be helpful for navigating the process effectively.