Who is eligible to apply for an IR-2 visa?
An IR-2 visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the United States for the children of a U.S. citizen. The eligibility criteria for an IR-2 visa generally include:
- Relationship: The applicant must be the unmarried child (under the age of 21) of a U.S. citizen parent.
- Petition: The U.S. citizen parent must file an immigrant visa petition on behalf of the child using Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The petition establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the child.
- Priority Date: Immigrant visas are subject to annual limits, so there might be a waiting period after the petition is filed before a visa becomes available. The “priority date” is the date the petition is filed. The child’s age is generally locked in based on this priority date, which means they can still be eligible for an IR-2 visa even if they turn 21 during the waiting period.
- Approval of the Petition: The Form I-130 petition must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the child can proceed with the immigrant visa application process.
- Consular Processing: Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, the child will go through consular processing. This involves applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The consular officer will conduct an interview and evaluate the child’s eligibility for the IR-2 visa.
Please note that immigration policies can change, so it’s important to refer to the official U.S. Department of State or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding IR-2 visa eligibility and application requirements.
What is IR-2 visa processing time?
The processing time for an IR-2 visa can vary based on a range of factors, including the volume of applications being processed at the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa application is being submitted, the complexity of the case, and any potential administrative processing that might be required. Additionally, changes in government policies and global events can also impact processing times.
It’s recommended to check the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for information on visa processing times and priority dates. This bulletin provides information on visa availability and can give you an idea of the waiting period you might expect before an IR-2 visa becomes available.
To get the most accurate and current information about IR-2 visa processing times, I recommend visiting the official website of the U.S. Department of State or contacting the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for the visa. They should be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on processing times and any specific requirements for your situation.
IR-2 visa filing fees
The filing fees for an IR-2 visa application could include the following:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: This fee is paid when the U.S. citizen parent files the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the child. As of my last update, this fee was $535.
- Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee: This fee is typically paid by the intending immigrant (the child) when submitting the visa application to the U.S. embassy or consulate. As of my last update, this fee was $325.
- Medical Examination and Vaccination Costs: Before an immigrant visa can be issued, the applicant is usually required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The cost of the medical examination and any required vaccinations would be an additional expense.
Please note that these fees can change over time due to government policy updates. It’s essential to check the U.S. Department of State’s official website or the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for the most current and accurate information on visa fees.
Additionally, keep in mind that there might be other costs associated with the visa application process, such as fees for obtaining required documents, travel expenses, and any other services you might need during the process.
IR-2 checklist of required documents
The specific documents required for an IR-2 visa application can vary depending on the circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying. However, here is a general checklist of commonly required documents for an IR-2 visa application:
- Form DS-260: This is the Online Immigrant Visa Application form that needs to be completed and submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Passport: A valid passport for each intending immigrant, with an expiration date well beyond the expected date of entry into the United States.
- Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, along with an English translation if the document is not in English.
- Marriage Certificates: If applicable, marriage certificates for any parents who are married to each other, to establish the parent-child relationship.
- Form I-130 Approval Notice: A copy of the approval notice for the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen parent.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Police certificates from the child’s home country and any other country where the child has lived for more than six months since the age of 16.
- Medical Examination Report: The results of the medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician, as well as any required vaccinations.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): A completed Form I-864 filled out by the U.S. citizen petitioner, demonstrating their ability to financially support the intending immigrant.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as photographs, letters, communication records, or any other documents that show the genuine relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Documents proving the U.S. citizen petitioner’s citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization.
- Applicable Fees: Payment receipts for the filing fees associated with the visa application process.
- Two Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs for each intending immigrant, adhering to the U.S. visa photo requirements.
Please note that this is a general checklist, and the specific documents required can vary based on individual circumstances and the U.S. embassy or consulate’s requirements. It’s highly recommended to visit the U.S. embassy or consulate’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required documents for an IR-2 visa application.
