Who Is Eligible To Apply For An Ir-2 Visa?
An IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa that is generally available to the unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens. To be eligible to apply for an IR-2 visa, both the petitioner (U.S. citizen parent) and the beneficiary (the child) must meet certain eligibility criteria:
The Petitioner (U.S. Citizen Parent):
- Must be a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for IR-2 visas; only U.S. citizens can sponsor their children for this type of visa.
The Beneficiary (Child):
- Must be under the age of 21 at the time of the visa application and throughout the entire visa process.
- Must be unmarried. If the child marries before obtaining the IR-2 visa, they may no longer be eligible for this specific category.
Establishing the Parent-Child Relationship:
- The U.S. citizen parent must be able to establish a legitimate parent-child relationship with the child beneficiary. This typically involves providing supporting documentation, such as birth certificates, to prove the relationship.
Approved Form I-130:
- The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the child. USCIS must approve this petition to establish the qualifying relationship between the parent and the child.
- Once the Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, the process for obtaining the IR-2 visa involves additional steps, including document submission, a medical examination, a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and, if approved, admission into the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
How to Apply for an IR-2 Child Visa?
An IR-2 child visa is typically issued to unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens. The process for applying for an IR-2 child visa involves several steps. Please note that immigration processes can change, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Department of State’s official website or consult with an immigration attorney if needed. Here is a general overview of the application process:
Determine Eligibility:
- The sponsoring parent must be a U.S. citizen.
- The child must be under the age of 21 and unmarried.
- The child must have a valid and approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed on their behalf by the U.S. citizen parent.
File Form I-130:
The U.S. citizen parent should file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the parent and the child.
USCIS Approval:
- After USCIS approves the Form I-130, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Pay Fees and Submit Supporting Documents:
- The NVC will send instructions for paying visa processing fees and submitting supporting documents.
- You will need to provide civil documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, and other relevant documents for both the U.S. citizen parent and the child.
Affidavit of Support:
- The U.S. citizen parent will need to complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate the ability to financially support the child.
- Attend Medical Examination and Visa Interview:
- The child will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
- The child will also attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Visa Approval:
- If the visa is approved, the child will receive an immigrant visa in their passport.
Travel to the United States:
- Once the visa is issued, the child can travel to the United States.
Admission into the United States:
- Upon arrival in the United States, the child will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry and admitted as a lawful permanent resident.