IR-3 Visa: Secure U.S. Citizenship for Your Adopted Child
The IR-3 (Immediate Relative) visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows U.S. citizens to bring their adopted child from a foreign country to the United States. Upon arrival, the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen if adoption requirements are met. The IR-3 has no annual cap as an immediate relative visa, ensuring faster processing for eligible applicants.
Why Choose the IR-2 Visa?
Automatic U.S. Citizenship
Adopted children under 18 automatically acquire citizenship upon arrival
No Visa Cap
No Visa Cap: No waiting list because applications are processed as soon as submitted by the indiviuals.
Education & Work Benefits
Immediate access to U.S. schools and future employment opportunities.
International Adoption Made Easier
Streamlined process under Hague and non-Hague adoption procedures.
What is the IR-3 Visa?
The IR-3 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring an adopted child under 21 from another country to the United States. Unlike other visa categories, children arriving on an IR-3 visa automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon entry, provided both parents (if married) or the single adoptive parent saw the child before or during the adoption process.
- The IR-3 visa applies to both Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention adoptions, depending on the child’s country of origin.
- If only one parent (in a married couple) sees the child before adoption, the child may receive an IR-4 visa, which requires re-adoption in the U.S. before obtaining citizenship.
IR-3 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IR-3 visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Adoptive Parent’s Status: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
- Valid Adoption: The child must be legally adopted before turning 16 (or 18 in some instances).
- Parental Presence Requirement: At least one adoptive parent must have seen the child in person before or during the adoption process.
- Orphan or Hague Adoption Eligibility: The child must meet the legal definition of an orphan (non-Hague countries) or be adopted following Hague guidelines.
- Intent to Reside in the U.S: The child must live permanently with the adoptive parents in the United States.
Required Documents for the IR-3 Visa
- Valid passport of the child
- Final adoption decree proving legal adoption
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the adoptive parent (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate)
- Form I-600 or I-800 approval notice from USCIS
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Medical examination results from a USCIS-approved physician
- Proof of physical presence during or before adoption (travel records, photos, etc.)
- Police clearance certificate (if the child is over 16)
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to prove financial capability
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How to Apply for an IR-3 Visa
Determine Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoption Process
The adoption process depends on whether the child’s country of origin follows the
- Hague Countries: Follow the U.S. Department of State’s Hague adoption process, including working with an accredited adoption agency.
- Non-Hague Countries: Follow the U.S. orphan adoption process, proving the child is an orphan under U.S. law.
File the Appropriate Adoption Petition
- Hague Process: Submit Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative).
- Non-Hague Process: Submit Form I-600 (Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative).
USCIS Processing & Approval
USCIS reviews the petition, adoption eligibility, and suitability of the adoptive parents. If approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for visa processing.
Medical Exam & Interview
The child undergoes a medical examination and attends a visa interview at their home country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry
Once approved, the child receives an IR-3 visa and can travel to the U.S. Upon arrival, they automatically acquire U.S. citizenship and receive a Certificate of Citizenship.
Processing Time for the IR-3 Visa
The processing time for an IR-3 visa varies based on adoption type and country of origin, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years, depending on:
- USCIS processing time for adoption petitions
- NVC document review and case processing
- Adoption agency and foreign government procedures
Since the IR-3 visa is an immediate relative visa, applicants do not face annual quotas or waiting periods like other family-based categories.