An IR-2 Child Visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the United States for children of U.S. citizens. The IR-2 visa is intended for children under the age of 21 who wish to immigrate to the United States to live with their U.S. citizen parent(s). Here are the general steps to apply for an IR-2 Child Visa:
- Determine Eligibility: To qualify for an IR-2 Child Visa, the child must meet the following criteria:
- The child must be under 21 years of age.
- The child must be the biological child, stepchild, or legally adopted child of a U.S. citizen parent.
- The U.S. citizen parent must be at least 21 years old.
- The U.S. citizen parent must be willing to sponsor and financially support the child.
- File a Petition: The U.S. citizen parent must file an immigrant petition on behalf of the child. This is typically done using Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The U.S. citizen parent will need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of citizenship, proof of the parent-child relationship, and other required forms and fees.
- USCIS Processing: Once the Form I-130 is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it will be processed. USCIS may request additional evidence or documentation to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child.
- Visa Application: After USCIS approves the Form I-130 petition, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will provide instructions on how to proceed with the visa application process, including the payment of fees and the submission of required documents.
- Affidavit of Support: The U.S. citizen parent will need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate their ability to financially support the child once they immigrate to the United States. This form includes information about the U.S. citizen parent’s income, assets, and financial stability.
- Visa Interview: The child will be required to attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, the consular officer will review the child’s application, ask questions, and assess their eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
- Medical Examination: The child may also need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to ensure they meet the health requirements for immigration.
- Visa Issuance: If the visa application is approved, the child will be issued an IR-2 visa on their passport, allowing them to enter the United States as an immigrant.
- Travel to the United States: Once the visa is issued, the child can travel to the United States. The child will become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) upon entry.
- Obtain a Green Card: After arrival in the United States, the child should receive their green card in the mail, which confirms their lawful permanent resident status.
IR-2 visa checklist of required documents
When applying for an IR-2 Visa for the United States, you’ll need to provide a specific set of documents to support your application. While the exact requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate you’re applying through, here’s a general checklist of required documents:
- Petition Approval Notice (Form I-797): This is the notice of approval for the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen parent on behalf of the child.
- Child’s Birth Certificate: A copy of the child’s birth certificate to establish the parent-child relationship. If the child is adopted, provide the adoption decree or certificate.
- U.S. Citizen Parent’s Proof of Citizenship: The U.S. citizen parent should provide proof of their U.S. citizenship. This can be a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a birth certificate if born in the United States.
- Proof of Legal Name Change: If the child’s name has been legally changed, provide documentation to show the name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate.
- Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application: The child and accompanying family members must complete the DS-260 form online and print the confirmation page. This form provides biographical information and details about the intended immigration.
- Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the visa application processing fee.
- Passport: The child’s valid passport. Ensure that it is valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
- Two Passport-sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of the child that meet the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Police Clearance Certificates: If required by the country of residence, obtain police clearance certificates for the child and any accompanying family members over the age of 16.
- Medical Examination Results: A medical examination by an approved panel physician, including the vaccination records and chest X-rays if required.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): This form should be completed by the U.S. citizen parent or joint sponsors if necessary. It demonstrates the financial ability to support the child once they are in the United States.
- Financial Documentation: Proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s income, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, or a letter from an employer.
- Proof of Relationship: Any additional evidence that supports the parent-child relationship, such as photographs, letters, or other relevant documents.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, provide the marriage certificate of the U.S. citizen parent to prove the legitimacy of the parent-child relationship.
- Divorce or Death Certificates: If either of the child’s biological parents has been divorced or has passed away, provide relevant certificates to establish legal status.
- Court Records: If there have been legal proceedings involving the child’s custody or immigration status, provide copies of court orders and records.
- Fees: Payment of any required visa application fees. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate for specific fee amounts and payment instructions.