The IR-2 visa is an immigrant visa that allows the unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. This visa is part of the immediate rela-tive category, meaning there are no annual visa limits, and the child can receive priority pro-cessing. The application process begins when the U.S. citizen parent files a Form I-130, Peti-tion for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-130 petition establishes the familial relationship between the U.S. citizen and their child. Once USCIS approves the petition, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fur-ther processing.
After the NVC receives the approved petition, the next step is for the foreign child to complete the immigrant visa application by submitting Form DS-260, along with necessary supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, proof of the parent-child relationship, and police records (if applicable). The child must also undergo a medical examination by an approved physician to meet the health requirements. Additionally, an interview is scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. During the interview, the consular officer will review the documents, confirm the relationship, and evaluate the applicant's eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
If the visa is approved, the IR-2 visa is issued, allowing the child to travel to the U.S. as a per-manent resident. Upon arrival, the child will receive their Green Card in the mail. It is im-portant to note that the child must be unmarried and under the age of 21 at the time of visa ap-proval to qualify for the IR-2 visa. If the child turns 21 before their visa is issued, they may no longer be eligible for an IR-2 visa, and they may need to apply for a different visa category. En-suring that all forms are accurately completed and submitted is critical to avoid delays or com-plications in the application process. Seeking legal assistance can help ensure a smooth and successful process for family reunification.
