If you’re a U.S. citizen with a child living outside the United States, you might be wondering how to bring your child to live in the U.S. The IR-2 visa is an important option for U.S. citizens who want their children to join them in the United States. This visa allows your child, even if born abroad, to legally enter the country and become a permanent resident.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the IR-2 visa, including eligibility, the application process, required documents, and costs. At Law and Visas, we’re here to guide you step by step through the application process, making sure everything is in order for your child’s immigration journey.
What is the IR-2 Visa?
The IR-2 visa is an immigrant visa for children under 21 years old who are the unmarried child of a U.S. citizen. It is specifically for children who were born outside the U.S. and are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The IR-2 visa allows these children to enter the United States and eventually live there as permanent residents. It’s particularly useful for families who are adopting children from abroad, as the child will be able to join their U.S. citizen parent in the United States with all the rights of permanent residency.
Is the IR-2 Visa Right for You?
If you are a U.S. citizen with a child under 21 years old living outside the United States, and that child is neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident, the IR-2 visa may be the right option for you. The visa is available for both biological children and children who are adopted from overseas, as long as they meet the requirements listed below.
In the case of adoption, the child will need an immigrant visa to be able to join the family in the U.S. Even if you are adopting a child abroad, they will require this visa to enter the United States legally.
IR-2 Visa Timeline
The processing time for an IR-2 visa typically ranges from 17 to 24 months. It’s important to understand that the total time may vary depending on factors such as the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s country of residence, the number of applications in process, and how quickly you submit all required documents.
To avoid delays, it’s essential to fill out all forms accurately and submit the necessary documentation on time. Working with Law and Visas can help make sure everything is filed correctly the first time.
IR-2 Visa Cost
The government filing fee for the IR-2 visa is $860. This fee covers the visa application but does not include the cost of the required medical examination. The medical exam can range from $200 to $500, depending on the country and the medical provider.
If you’re unsure about the costs associated with the IR-2 visa, you can use the USCIS fee calculator or consult with Law and Visas for guidance. We offer payment installment plans, making it easier to manage your application costs as you move through the process.
IR-2 Visa Eligibility
To apply for the IR-2 visa, certain eligibility requirements must be met:
- The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen.
- The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of the visa application.
- If the child is adopted, the adoption must have been finalized before the child’s 16th birthday.
- The sponsor must have legal custody of the child for at least two years, except in cases of adoption.
- If applying for a stepchild, the biological parent and stepparent must have been married before the child turned 18. The stepparent does not need to have formally adopted the stepchild.
The IR-2 Visa Process
The process for applying for the IR-2 visa involves multiple steps. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:
Step 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The first step is to file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to establish that a valid parent-child relationship exists.
You will need to submit:
- A $675 filing fee.
- Proof that the sponsoring parent is a U.S. citizen (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate).
- Proof of the parent-child relationship (e.g., the child’s birth certificate or adoption papers).
Once USCIS processes your form, you will receive a receipt notice, and they may request additional evidence (an RFE) if necessary.
Step 2: Apply for the Green Card (Form DS-260)
Once the I-130 petition is approved, you’ll file Form DS-260, the immigrant visa application, with the National Visa Center (NVC). This form is filed online.
The required documents for the NVC application include:
- $325 filing fee for processing.
- Form DS-260, completed online.
- Proof of the child’s nationality (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
- Proof that the sponsor can financially support the child (e.g., Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, tax returns, pay stubs).
Once the NVC completes its processing, the application will be forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s country for an interview.
Step 3: Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
The child must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, the child will be asked about their relationship with the sponsoring parent.
The child must bring:
- An appointment letter from USCIS.
- A valid passport that will not expire for at least six months.
- Two passport-style photos.
- Translations of documents not originally in English.
- Civil documents (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers).
If the interview goes well and all documents are in order, the IR-2 visa will be granted.
Step 4: Entering the U.S.
Once granted the IR-2 visa, your child can enter the United States. If they are under 18, they will automatically gain U.S. citizenship upon arrival, provided they are living with their U.S. citizen parent. If the child is over 18, they will become a permanent resident and receive a green card.
IR-2 Visa FAQs
1. Is the IR-2 visa only for adopted children? No, the IR-2 visa is for any child under 21 years old and unmarried who is the child of a U.S. citizen, whether biological or adopted.
2. Can I apply for this visa if my child is over 21? Possibly. If your child turned 21 during the processing of their case, they may still qualify under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
3. Can a U.S. citizen apply for an IR-2 visa for a stepchild? Yes, as long as the biological parent and stepparent were married before the child turned 18. The stepparent does not need to adopt the child.
4. What if I cannot live with my adopted child for two years? In some cases, other visa options may be available. You can consult Law and Visas for guidance.
5. Can a green card holder apply for this visa for their child? No, only U.S. citizens can apply for the IR-2 visa.
The IR-2 visa is a crucial option for U.S. citizens who want to bring their child or adopted child to live with them in the United States. By following the correct steps and understanding the requirements, you can help your child join you in the U.S. faster and with fewer complications.
At Law and Visas, we are committed to helping you through every step of the IR-2 visa process. From filling out the paperwork to understanding the costs, we are here to guide you and ensure that everything goes smoothly. If you’re ready to get started or have any questions, contact Law and Visas today!
