1. What is the IR2 Visa?
The IR2 visa is an immigrant visa category for children of U.S. citizens who are eligible for lawful permanent residency (a green card) in the United States. Unlike non-immigrant visas, the IR2 visa grants children a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency, allowing them to live, study, and work in the U.S. The IR2 visa is specifically designed for unmarried children under 21 years old and provides an option for adopted or stepchildren under specific circumstances.
2. Eligibility Requirements for the IR2 Visa
To qualify for an IR2 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship to a U.S. Citizen: The applicant must be the biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of a U.S. citizen.
- Unmarried: The child must be unmarried to be eligible.
- Under 21 Years of Age: The applicant must be under the age of 21 at the time of application.
- U.S. Parent Requirements: The U.S. citizen parent must meet specific residency requirements, particularly if the child was born outside the U.S.
These eligibility requirements ensure that the IR2 visa is used to unite families in the U.S. under direct family relations.
3. Types of Relationships Covered by the IR2 Visa
The IR2 visa covers several types of familial relationships, including:
- Biological Children: Direct children of U.S. citizens.
- Adopted Children: Children adopted before the age of 16, provided the adopting U.S. citizen parent has legal custody for at least two years.
- Stepchildren: Stepchildren of U.S. citizens, provided the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18.
These relationship types make the IR2 visa a versatile option for reuniting families under different circumstances.
4. Benefits of the IR2 Visa
The IR2 visa provides several key benefits for children of U.S. citizens:
- Permanent Residency: Grants immediate permanent residency upon entry to the U.S.
- Path to Citizenship: IR2 visa holders under 18 may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry if all conditions are met.
- Work Authorization: Allows children to work and study in the U.S. without additional permits.
- Access to U.S. Services: Provides access to education, healthcare, and other public services available to U.S. residents.
The IR2 visa offers a stable foundation for children to integrate fully into life in the U.S.
5. Step-by-Step IR2 Visa Application Process
The application process for an IR2 visa involves several steps, beginning with a petition filed by the U.S. citizen parent.
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The U.S. citizen parent must submit Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove the family relationship.
- Wait for USCIS Approval: USCIS reviews the petition, which may take several months.
- Submit Required Documents: After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which requests supporting documentation.
- Schedule Visa Interview: The child attends an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
- Medical Examination: A medical exam is required for visa approval.
- Attend the Interview and Receive the Visa: At the interview, the consular officer will determine visa eligibility.
Once the IR2 visa is approved, the child can travel to the U.S. to become a permanent resident.
6. Required Documents for the IR2 Visa Application
The IR2 visa application requires several essential documents:
- Completed Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Parent’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalisation certificate.
- Child’s Birth Certificate: Establishing the relationship between parent and child.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): For stepchildren, proof of marriage between the biological parent and U.S. citizen.
- Adoption Documents (if applicable): For adopted children, proof of legal custody and residence for at least two years.
- Passport Photos: Compliant passport-sized photos of the child.
- Medical Examination Results: Conducted by an approved physician.
Completing and organizing these documents is crucial for a smooth application process.
7. Costs and Fees Associated with the IR2 Visa
The IR2 visa application involves several fees:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: Approximately $535, payable when submitting Form I-130.
- Immigrant Visa Fee: Approximately $325, payable to the National Visa Center.
- Medical Examination Fee: Varies by country, as exams are conducted by approved physicians in the child’s home country.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220, payable after visa approval and before receiving a green card.
Ensuring timely payment of these fees is essential to keep the application process on track.
8. Processing Time for the IR2 Visa
Processing times for the IR2 visa can vary:
- Form I-130 Processing: Generally takes between 6–12 months.
- NVC Processing and Interview Scheduling: After I-130 approval, the NVC processing stage typically takes an additional 2–4 months.
Total processing time can range from 8–14 months, depending on the case’s complexity and consular availability. Applicants should plan for additional time during peak periods.
9. Path to U.S. Citizenship for IR2 Visa Holders
One of the significant benefits of the IR2 visa is the pathway to U.S. citizenship:
- Automatic Citizenship: Children under 18 who enter the U.S. on an IR2 visa and reside with their U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
- Naturalisation Eligibility: Children over 18 with an IR2 visa can apply for naturalisation after meeting residency and other criteria.
This pathway allows children to gain full citizenship rights, including voting and access to all services available to U.S. citizens.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a child over 21 apply for an IR2 visa?
A: No, the IR2 visa is only available to children under 21 who are unmarried.
Q2: Does the IR2 visa require an immigrant visa quota?
A: No, IR2 visas are classified as “Immediate Relative” visas, meaning they are not subject to annual caps or quotas.
Q3: Can adopted children qualify for the IR2 visa?
A: Yes, adopted children qualify if adopted before the age of 16 and if the U.S. citizen parent has had legal custody for at least two years.
Q4: Can IR2 visa holders work in the U.S.?
A: Yes, IR2 visa holders become lawful permanent residents upon entry, allowing them to work and study in the U.S.
Q5: Do IR2 visa holders need a separate green card application?
A: No, upon entry, IR2 visa holders are automatically granted permanent residency and receive their green card.
Q6: How long does it take to get an IR2 visa?
A: Processing generally takes 8–14 months, depending on USCIS and consular processing times.