IR-2 Visa: Secure U.S. Permanent Residency for Your Child
The IR-2 (Immediate Relative) visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. The IR-2 has no annual cap as an immediate relative visa, ensuring faster processing for eligible applicants.
Why Choose the IR-2 Visa?
Permanent Residency
Provides a Green Card for children to live permanently in the U.S.
No Visa Cap
No waiting lists because applications are processed as soon as submitted.
Education & Work
Access to U.S. schools and eligibility to work upon Green Card approval.
Path to Citizenship
Children under 18 acquire U.S. citizenship upon Green Card approval if residing with the U.S. citizen parent.
What is the IR-2 Visa?
The IR-2 visa is issued to unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens, allowing them to immigrate to the United States as lawful permanent residents. This visa grants the child a Green Card, ensuring they can live, study, and work in the U.S.
- If the child is under 18 and lives with a U.S. citizen parent, they automatically becomes U.S. citizen after entering the U.S. with an IR-2 visa.
- If the child is over 18 but under 21, they receives a Green Card and must apply for naturalization later.
IR-2 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IR-2 visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Eligible Parent: The petitioning parent must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders are not eligible).
- Valid Parent-Child Relationship: The child must be biological, adopted, or a stepchild (if the marriage creating the stepchild relationship occurred before the child turned 18).
- Unmarried & Under 21: The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of application.
- Legal Adoption (if applicable): If adopted, the child must meet the two-year legal custody and physical residence requirement.
- Intent to Reside in the U.S: The child must plan to live in the United States permanently.
Required Documents for the IR-2 Visa
- Valid child passport
- Birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioning parent (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate)
- Form I-130 approval notice from USCIS
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) proving financial capability
- Medical examination results from a USCIS-approved physician
- Police clearance certificate (if the child is over 16)
- Adoption papers (if applicable) for adopted children
- Evidence of legal custody (if applicable)
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How to Apply for an IR-2 Visa
File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen parent must submit Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the parent-child relationship.
USCIS Processing & Approval
Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC assigns a case number and requests additional documents.
Submit Visa Application (DS-260) & Pay Fees
The parent or legal guardian completes Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and pays the required visa processing fees.
Medical Exam & Interview
If approved, the child receives an IR-2 visa and can travel to the U.S. Upon entry, they receive their Green Card and, in some cases, automatic U.S. citizenship.
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry
The foreign spouse must pass background checks and medical screenin
Processing Time for the IR-2 Visa
The processing time for the IR-2 visa varies but typically takes 8 to 14 months, depending on:
- USCIS processing time for Form I-130
- NVC document review and case processing
- Visa interview appointment availability
Since there is no visa cap, applicants do not face long waiting periods like other family-based visa categories.