What is an IR-2 Child Visa?
The IR-2 Child Visa is a category of immigrant visa issued by the United States to foreign children who are intending to join their U.S. citizen parent(s) in the United States as permanent residents. This visa is intended for children under the age of 21 who are the biological or legally adopted children of a U.S. citizen.
The IR-2 Child Visa falls under the family-sponsored immigration category and is part of the immediate relative visa classification. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including children under the IR-2 category, are not subject to numerical limitations, meaning there is no annual quota for the number of visas that can be issued in this category. This makes the IR-2 visa relatively faster to process compared to other family-sponsored visas.
Here are some key points about the IR-2 Child Visa:
- Eligibility: The child must be under 21 years old and must be the unmarried child of a U.S. citizen parent. The child can be a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild.
- Petition: The U.S. citizen parent must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship between the parent and the child. Once the petition is approved, it indicates that the child is eligible to immigrate to the U.S.
- Visa Application: After the Form I-130 is approved, the child can apply for an IR-2 Child Visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa application process includes submitting various documents to demonstrate the parent-child relationship and eligibility.
- Adjustment of Status: If the child is already in the U.S. on a different visa status when the parent’s Form I-130 is approved, they can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
- Age-Out Considerations: It’s important to note that the child must remain unmarried and under 21 years old throughout the entire visa application process. If the child turns 21 before the visa is issued, they might no longer qualify for the IR-2 visa category and could potentially face complications related to “aging out.”
- Green Card: Once the child enters the U.S. on an IR-2 visa and is admitted as a permanent resident, they will receive a green card (Permanent Resident Card), granting them the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
It’s crucial to consult the official U.S. Department of State website or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the IR-2 Child Visa application process and eligibility requirements.
How to apply for an IR-2 child visa?
Applying for an IR-2 Child Visa involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail. It’s important to consult the official U.S. Department of State website and follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- File Form I-130: The first step is for the U.S. citizen parent (the petitioner) to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the parent-child relationship and is filed on behalf of the child who intends to immigrate to the U.S.
- USCIS Approval: Once the Form I-130 is approved by USCIS, the petitioner will receive an approval notice. This notice indicates that the parent-child relationship has been established and that the child is eligible for an immigrant visa.
- Receive Case Number: After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, they will send the case to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will assign a case number and provide instructions on how to proceed.
- Pay Fees and Submit Documents: The NVC will provide instructions for paying the appropriate fees and submitting required documents, such as the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the U.S. citizen parent and the Child’s Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260). The DS-260 form is typically completed online and serves as the visa application.
- Attend Medical Examination: The child will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician in their home country. The results of the medical examination will be sent directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Attend Visa Interview: The child and the U.S. citizen petitioner (usually the parent) will need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. During the interview, the child’s eligibility and the authenticity of the parent-child relationship will be assessed. The child should bring all required documents, including the DS-260 confirmation page, passport, birth certificate, and any other documents requested by the embassy.
- Visa Issuance: If the visa is approved, the child will receive the IR-2 Child Visa in their passport. The visa allows the child to travel to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- Entry to the U.S.: Once the child arrives in the U.S., they will go through the immigration inspection process at the port of entry. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine if the child meets the entry requirements and will grant admission as a lawful permanent resident.
- Receive Green Card: After entering the U.S., the child will receive a green card (Permanent Resident Card) in the mail, which officially grants them the status of a lawful permanent resident.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary based on the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. It’s recommended to review the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate where you will be applying and to consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the checklist of required documents for an IR-2 visa?
The required documents for an IR-2 Child Visa application can vary based on the specific circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying. However, here’s a general checklist of documents that are commonly required when applying for an IR-2 Child Visa:
- Valid Passport: The child’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
- Form DS-260 Confirmation Page: The Child’s Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260) confirmation page, which is generated after completing the online application.
- Form I-130 Approval Notice: A copy of the Form I-130 approval notice received from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Two Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of the child that meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Birth Certificate: The child’s original birth certificate or a certified copy, along with a certified translation if it’s not in English.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If the child’s parents are married, provide the original or certified copy of their marriage certificate.
- Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): If either of the child’s parents was previously married and the marriage ended due to divorce or death, provide the relevant certificates.
- Medical Examination Results: The results of the child’s medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Police clearance certificates from any country where the child has lived for more than six months since reaching the age of 16. These certificates should show that the child has no criminal record.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): A completed and signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, from the U.S. citizen parent. This form demonstrates the U.S. citizen’s financial ability to support the child.
- Proof of Relationship: Documentation to prove the authenticity of the parent-child relationship, such as the child’s birth certificate showing the parents’ names, and any other relevant documents, such as adoption papers if applicable thebirdsworld.
- Proof of U.S. Petitioner’s Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: Documents to establish the U.S. citizen petitioner’s citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship) or lawful permanent residency (e.g., green card).
- Financial Documents (U.S. Sponsor): Recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, or other financial documents to demonstrate the U.S. petitioner’s income and ability to financially support the child.
- Photocopies: Photocopies of all the original documents should be included in the application package.
Remember that the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply may have specific instructions and requirements, so it’s crucial to refer to their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. It’s also recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and are prepared for the application process infosportsworld.
