What is an IR-2 visa?
An IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the United States government for foreign-born children of U.S. citizens who wish to bring their children to live with them in the United States. The IR-2 visa is specifically designed for children under the age of 21 who have at least one biological or adoptive parent who is a U.S. citizen. This visa category is meant to facilitate family reunification by allowing parents to sponsor their children’s immigration to the United States.
To apply for an IR-2 visa, the U.S. citizen parent (petitioner) must file an immigrant visa petition on behalf of the child. The child will then go through the visa application process, including submitting required documents, attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, and undergoing medical and background checks. If the visa is approved, the child can enter the United States and become a permanent resident.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an IR-2 visa can vary depending on individual circumstances and any changes in immigration policies. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult the official website of the U.S. Department of State or seek legal advice to get accurate and up-to-date information about the IR-2 visa application process. know more about: Famous Quotes
How to apply for an IR-2 visa?
Applying for an IR-2 visa involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The U.S. citizen parent (petitioner) must start by filing Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the child and serves as the basis for the visa application.
- Wait for USCIS Approval: Once the Form I-130 is filed, USCIS will review it and notify the petitioner of the approval or denial. If approved, USCIS will forward the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Complete DS-260 Form: The NVC will provide instructions to the petitioner to complete the DS-260 form online. This form collects personal information about the child and the U.S. citizen petitioner.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required visa application and affidavit of support fees as instructed by the NVC.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including:
- Passport for the child
- Birth certificate of the child
- Marriage certificates of the U.S. citizen parent(s)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Medical examination results
- Proof of financial support (affidavit of support)
- Passport-sized photos
- Submit Documents to the NVC: Upload or mail all the required documents to the NVC as instructed.
- Wait for Visa Interview: The NVC will review the submitted documents and, once everything is in order, schedule a visa interview for the child at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Attend Visa Interview: The child (and the petitioner, if required) must attend the visa interview at the designated U.S. embassy or consulate. The child will be asked questions about their background and the purpose of the visa.
- Receive Visa Decision: Following the interview, the child will receive a decision on their visa application. If approved, the child will receive a visa stamp in their passport.
- Travel to the U.S.: Upon receiving the visa, the child can travel to the United States. The visa allows the child to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- Receive Green Card: Once in the U.S., the child will receive their green card (Form I-551) in the mail, which serves as proof of their lawful permanent residency.
It’s important to note that the process may vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate’s procedures and any changes in immigration policies. Additionally, seeking legal advice or assistance from an immigration attorney can be beneficial to ensure a smooth application process.
IR-2 checklist of required documents
Here’s a checklist of the required documents for the IR-2 visa application process. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate’s procedures. Always refer to the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will take place for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Form DS-260 Confirmation Page:
- Confirmation page of the DS-260 form, which is completed online.
- Passport:
- Passport for the child with validity beyond the intended period of stay in the U.S.
- Photographs:
- Passport-sized photographs of the child, adhering to the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Birth Certificate:
- Original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
- Petitioner’s Citizenship Proof:
- S. citizen petitioner’s proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- Proof of Relationship:
- If the petitioner is not the biological parent, provide documentation to establish the legal relationship (e.g., adoption decree).
- Marriage Certificates:
- Marriage certificates of the child’s parents, including any previous marriages and divorces.
- Police Clearance:
- Police certificates or clearances from countries where the child has resided, if applicable.
- Medical Examination:
- Results of a medical examination performed by an approved panel physician.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
- Affidavit of Support submitted by the U.S. citizen petitioner to demonstrate financial ability to support the child.
- Proof of Financial Support:
- Recent tax returns, W-2 forms, or other financial documents to verify the petitioner’s income and financial stability.
- Proof of Address:
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Visa Application Fee Receipt:
- Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
- Visa Interview Appointment Letter:
- Appointment confirmation letter for the visa interview.
- Photocopies:
- Photocopies of all original documents submitted.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Any additional documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Please note that this checklist is intended as a general guide. The U.S. embassy or consulate may have specific requirements or procedures, so it’s essential to carefully follow their instructions. Additionally, translations of documents not in English may be required, and it’s advisable to consult the specific embassy’s website for comprehensive information regarding the required documents for the IR-2 visa application.
