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.