To apply for an IR-2 Child Visa, you must be the parent of a child who is under 21 years old and is residing outside the United States. The IR-2 visa is specifically for the unmarried children of U.S. citizens who wish to immigrate to the U.S. as permanent residents. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an IR-2 Child Visa:
File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The first step is for the U.S. citizen parent to file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child and to petition for the child to immigrate to the U.S.
Wait for I-130 Approval: After filing Form I-130, you must wait for USCIS to process the petition. Once the I-130 is approved, it means that the relationship has been recognized, and the child is eligible to proceed with the immigrant visa application.
National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will provide instructions and collect the necessary fees and documentation for the visa application.
Affidavit of Support: The U.S. citizen parent must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate that they can financially support the child.
Civil Documents: Gather the necessary civil documents, such as the child’s birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and any divorce or death certificates if the child has been previously married or widowed.
Police Clearance Certificate: Obtain a police clearance certificate from any country where the child has resided for more than six months since the age of 16.
Medical Examination: The child must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
DS-260 Visa Application: Complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, online. This form is submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Interview: Once all the required documents and forms are submitted, the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country will schedule an immigrant visa interview. During the interview, the child will be asked questions about their background and relationship with the U.S. citizen parent.
Visa Issuance: If the interview is successful, the child will receive an immigrant visa in their passport, allowing them to travel to the U.S.
Entry to the U.S.: After receiving the immigrant visa, the child can travel to the U.S. as a permanent resident. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry will grant them admission as an IR-2 immigrant.
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the NVC and the U.S. embassy or consulate carefully to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. Additionally, it’s advisable to seek the guidance of an immigration attorney to navigate the process successfully.
Who Is Eligible for an IR-2 Visa?
The IR-2 visa is specifically designed for the unmarried children of U.S. citizens who wish to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents. To be eligible for an IR-2 visa, the child must meet certain criteria:
Parent’s U.S. Citizenship: The child must have a U.S. citizen parent who meets the legal requirements to transmit U.S. citizenship to their children. The U.S. citizen parent must be the biological or adoptive parent of the child.
Child’s Age: The child must be under 21 years old at the time of the visa application. Once the child turns 21, they may no longer be eligible for the IR-2 visa, and alternative visa options will need to be explored.
Unmarried Status: The child must be unmarried. If the child marries before obtaining the IR-2 visa, they may no longer be eligible for this particular visa category.
Establishment of Relationship: The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship between the parent and the child. The I-130 petition must be approved before the child can proceed with the immigrant visa application.
Proper Visa Application: The child must follow the procedures and requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State, including submitting the necessary forms and documentation and attending a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Financial Support: The U.S. citizen parent must demonstrate that they can financially support the child by submitting an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) during the visa application process.
It’s important to note that the child’s age and marital status are critical factors for eligibility. If the child turns 21 or gets married before the visa application is completed, they may no longer qualify for the IR-2 visa. In such cases, alternative visa options may need to be explored, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
As immigration laws and regulations can change, it’s essential to verify the eligibility criteria and requirements with the U.S. Department of State or consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on the visa application process for the child.
How Much Does It Cost To Get an IR-2 Visa?
The cost of obtaining an IR-2 visa can vary depending on several factors, including government fees, medical examination fees, translation and photocopying costs, and any additional expenses associated with the visa application process. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are some of the primary costs involved in obtaining an IR-2 visa:
Form I-130 Filing Fee: As the first step in the process, the U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of my last update, the filing fee for Form I-130 was $535.
DS-260 Visa Application Fee: After the I-130 petition is approved, the child will need to complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, online. As of my last update, the DS-260 application fee was $325.
Medical Examination: The child will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the country and the medical facility, but it is typically an out-of-pocket expense paid directly to the designated physician.
Visa Processing Fee: In addition to the DS-260 application fee, the U.S. Department of State may charge a visa processing fee, which varies based on the type of visa and the country where the visa application is made. As of my last update, the visa processing fee for an immigrant visa was $325.
Affidavit of Support: The U.S. citizen parent must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate their financial ability to support the child. There is no specific filing fee for the I-864 form, but the U.S. citizen parent must meet certain income requirements.
Translations and Photocopies: If any documents are not in English, they may need to be translated. The cost of translation services will depend on the document length and the service provider.
It’s important to note that fees and costs related to the visa application process can change over time, and applicants should check the official U.S. Department of State website or the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country for the most up-to-date fee information.
Additionally, applicants should be aware of potential travel expenses to attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It’s advisable to budget for all the expenses related to the visa application process and consult with an immigration attorney if you have specific questions or concerns about the costs involved.
