How to apply for an IR-2 visa?

The IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the United States for the children of U.S. citizens who are under the age of 21. Here’s a general guide on how to apply for an IR-2 visa:

  • Petition Filing:
    • The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the child. This form is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
  • Document Gathering:
    • Gather supporting documents such as the U.S. citizen parent’s proof of citizenship, evidence of the parent-child relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers, etc.), and any relevant divorce or marriage certificates.
  • Filing Fee:
    • Pay the filing fee associated with Form I-130. Fee information is available on the USCIS website.
  • USCIS Processing:
    • Once the petition is filed, USCIS will review it. If additional evidence is required, they may request it.
  • Approval Notice:
    • If the petition is approved, USCIS will issue an approval notice and forward the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
  • National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:
    • The NVC will notify the petitioner when the case is received and provide instructions for further processing.
  • Fee Payments:
    • Pay the immigrant visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support fee. These fees are paid to the U.S. Department of State.
  • Form DS-260:
    • Complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, online. This form is available on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
  • Supporting Documents:
    • Upload the required supporting documents, including the Affidavit of Support, civil documents, and photos, through the CEAC.
  • Visa Interview:
    • Once the documents are submitted and fees are paid, the applicant will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Medical Examination:
    • Attend a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
  • Visa Issuance:
    • If the visa is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue the IR-2 visa on the child’s passport.
  • Travel to the U.S.:
    • Once the visa is issued, the child can travel to the U.S. and will be admitted as a permanent resident.

What documents are required to apply for an IR-2 visa?

The specific documents required for an IR-2 visa application may vary based on individual circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is processed. However, here is a general list of documents that are commonly required:

  • Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
    • This is the petition filed by the U.S. citizen parent on behalf of the child.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship of the Petitioner:
    • This could include a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Proof of the Parent-Child Relationship:
    • Birth certificate for biological children or adoption papers for adopted children.
    • If applicable, provide documentation for stepchildren (e.g., marriage certificate).
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
    • If the child is applying as a stepchild, provide the marriage certificate of the U.S. citizen parent to the child’s biological parent.
  • Evidence of Legal Name Change (if applicable):
    • If the U.S. citizen parent or child has changed their name, provide legal documentation of the name change.
  • Filing Fee Payment Receipt:
    • Proof of payment for the filing fee associated with Form I-130.
  • National Visa Center (NVC) Documents:
    • Once the petition is approved, additional documents will be required by the NVC, including the Affidavit of Support, civil documents (such as birth certificates and marriage certificates), and photos.
  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
    • This form is required to show that the U.S. citizen parent has the financial means to support the child.
  • Visa Application Form DS-260:
    • This is the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application form that needs to be completed online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
  • Passport-Style Photos:
    • Typically, two recent passport-style photos of the child are required.
  • Medical Examination:
    • The child will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
  • Police Certificates:
    • In some cases, the child may be required to provide police certificates from the countries where they have lived.

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