IR-4 Visa: Bringing Your Adopted Child to the U.S. for Re-Adoption
The IR-4 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring a foreign-born adopted child to the U.S. for re-adoption if the adoption wasn’t finalized abroad or if the parents didn’t meet the child before adoption. Full parental rights and U.S. citizenship are granted only after completing the re-adoption process in a U.S. court.
Why Choose the IR-2 Visa?
Adopt First, Finalize Later
The IR-4 visa lets U.S. parents finalize adoption in the U.S. if full adoption abroad isn’t possible.
IR-4 Visa with No Annual Limits
No Visa Cap: No annual limits on the number of IR-4 visas issued.
Path to U.S. Citizenship
The child becomes a U.S. citizen once re-adoption is completed.
Flexibility in the Adoption Process
Allows legal guardianship abroad with final adoption in the U.S.
What is the IR-4 Visa?
The IR-4 visa is an immediate relative visa for foreign-born children adopted (or in
the process of being adopted) by U.S. citizens. This visa is issued when:
- The child’s country of origin only permits guardianship, not full adoption abroad.
The U.S. adoptive parents did not meet the child in person before or during the adoption process.
Upon arrival, children entering the U.S. on an IR-4 visa do not receive automatic citizenship. Instead, they must complete the re-adoption process in the U.S. to obtain a U.S. birth certificate and citizenship.
IR-4 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an IR-4 visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Adoptive Parent’s Status: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
- Parental Presence Requirement: The adoptive parents did not meet the child before or during the adoption process.
- Adoption or Legal Guardianship: The child must be legally placed for adoption or under guardianship.
- Intent to Reside in the U.S: The child must live permanently with the adoptive parents in the U.S.
- Orphan or Hague Adoption Requirements: The child must be adopted under either the Hague
Required Documents for the IR-4 Visa
- Child’s passport (valid for U.S. travel)
- Legal guardianship or custody documents
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of the adoptive parent(s)
- USCIS-approved Form I-600 or I-800
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Medical examination results from an approved physician
- Proof of financial ability (Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support)
- Evidence of legal eligibility for adoption
Why go with our legal company
Book Consultation With Us
At Atif Law Firm, we strive to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Expertise in Immigration Law
Personalized Legal Guidance
Commitment to Immigrant Rights
Trustworthy Representation
Book Consultation Now!
How to Apply for an IR-4 Visa
Determine Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoption Process
The adoption process depends on whether the child’s country follows the Hague Adoption Convention:
- Hague Countries – Parents must follow the Hague adoption process, including working with a Hague-accredited adoption agency.
- Non-Hague Countries – Parents must prove the child qualifies as 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 Review & Approval
- Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).
- Pay the visa processing fee
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry
Once the visa is issued, the child can travel to the U.S. Upon arrival, adoptive parents must finalize the adoption through a U.S. court.
Processing Time for the IR-4 Visa
IR-4 visa processing times typically range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on:
- USCIS petition processing time
- The child’s country of origin and adoption process requirements
NVC document review and visa issuance timeline
Since the IR-4 is an immediate relative visa, there is no annual cap, allowing faster processing than preference-based visas