IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the United States for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. The “IR” stands for “Immediate Relative,” and the “2” indicates that it is the second category within the immediate relative visa classification.
The IR-2 visa is typically intended for unmarried children under the age of 21 who are seeking to immigrate to the United States to join their U.S. citizen parent(s). This visa category allows these children to become permanent residents of the United States and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements.
How to apply for an IR-2 visa?
To apply for an IR-2 visa, you will generally need to follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the IR-2 visa. This visa is typically for unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens. If you meet this criteria, you may be eligible.
- Petition by the U.S. Citizen Parent: The U.S. citizen parent (your parent) must initiate the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the foreign-born child.
- USCIS Processing: The USCIS will process the I-130 petition and, if approved, send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Wait for NVC Processing: The NVC will notify the U.S. citizen petitioner and provide information about the visa application process, including the visa application fee and required documentation.
- Submit Visa Application: Complete the visa application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. You will need to pay the visa application fee and provide the required documentation, including a copy of the I-130 approval notice, a passport-sized photo, and other supporting documents.
- Attend Medical Examination and Visa Interview: You will be required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked about your background, intentions, and eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
- Visa Issuance: If your visa application is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue the IR-2 visa on your passport.
- Travel to the United States: Once you have the IR-2 visa, you can travel to the United States to join your U.S. citizen parent.
- Immigration Inspection: Upon arrival in the United States, you will go through immigration inspection at the port of entry. The immigration officer will inspect your documents and make a determination regarding your admission as a permanent resident.
- Receive Green Card: After being admitted to the United States, you will receive your green card (lawful permanent resident status) in the mail, which will serve as evidence of your immigration status.
IR-2 checklist of required documents
The specific required documents for an IR-2 visa application may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying and your individual circumstances. However, here is a general checklist of common documents typically required for an IR-2 visa application:
- Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application: This is the online visa application form that you need to complete and submit through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Form I-130 Approval Notice: A copy of the Form I-130 approval notice that your U.S. citizen parent received from USCIS.
- Valid Passport: Your valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended date of entry into the United States.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Birth Certificate: Your original birth certificate or a certified copy, along with a translation into English if it’s in a foreign language.
- Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree (if applicable): If you are married or divorced, you may need to provide marriage certificates and divorce decrees, along with translations if they are in a foreign language.
- Police Certificates: Police certificates from your home country or from any country where you have lived for six months or more since turning 16 years old. These certificates should show your criminal record or lack thereof.
- Medical Examination Report: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The physician will provide a medical examination report, which you should submit with your visa application.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Your U.S. citizen parent will need to submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support you in the United States. This form includes financial documentation, such as tax returns and employment verification.
- Proof of Relationship: Documents that prove your relationship with your U.S. citizen parent, such as family photos, letters, or any other evidence that demonstrates a bona fide parent-child relationship.
- Visa Fees Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
- DS-260 Confirmation Page: A printed copy of the DS-260 confirmation page, which you will receive after submitting your online visa application.
- Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation: The appointment confirmation for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Any Additional Documents: Some embassies or consulates may request additional documents based on their specific requirements or your circumstances, so it’s advisable to check their website or contact them directly for any additional requirements.
