UNMARRIED CHILDREN UNDER 21 (IR-2)
Immigration
GUIDE TO IR2 VISAS: BRINGING UNMARRIED CHILDREN TO THE US
In the pursuit of a brighter future, many individuals migrate to the United States, leaving behind their families. As a US citizen, you hold the power to reunite with your loved ones through family sponsorship, allowing them to enter the US legally. This guide focuses on the IR2 visa, enabling unmarried children to gain lawful entry into the US and join their parents.
Who Qualifies for the IR2 Visa?
Your child may be eligible for the IR2 visa if they meet the following criteria:
- They are under twenty-one years old.
- They are unmarried.
- If adopted, the adoption process was completed before they turned sixteen, and you had legal custody and resided with them for at least two years.
- Stepchildren of a foreign national who qualify for the IR1 spousal visa, provided they were under 18 years old at the time of marriage.
Overview of the IR2 Visa Application Process
The application process for the IR2 visa closely mirrors that of the IR1 visa:
File Form I-130: As the US citizen sponsor (parent or spouse), submit Form I-130 (Petition for an Alien Relative) to establish the parent-child relationship.
Gather Required Documents: Include proof of your citizenship, your child’s birth certificate, and adoption decrees if applicable.
Submit Form I-130: Pay the filing fee and submit the form and supporting documents to USCIS.
Await USCIS Decision: USCIS will process the petition, conduct background checks, and may request an interview or biometric information.
Approval and Transfer to NVC: Upon approval, USCIS transfers the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), which notifies the applicant and provides further instructions.
Visa Application at US Embassy/Consulate: Your child completes Form DS-260, undergoes a medical examination, and attends a visa interview.
Receive IR2 Visa: If approved, your child receives the IR2 visa, granting lawful entry into the US.
Post-Arrival Responsibilities
- Help your child understand their rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident or US citizen.
- Assist in obtaining necessary documents like a Social Security Number and driver’s license.
- Encourage integration through English language learning and cultural exploration.
Fees and Processing Timeframe
- Fees include Form I-130 filing fee, DS-260 processing fee, medical examination, and translation fees.
- Processing times vary, but meticulous preparation can minimize delays.
Seek Legal Guidance
Navigating the IR2 visa process can be rather daunting. Seeking assistance from experienced immigration attorneys like at our firm can ensure a smooth and successful application. Whilst absolutely no guarantees exist, our expertise increases your chances of a favorable outcome, allowing you to focus on reuniting with your child/children.
For further inquiries or personalized legal assistance, contact our firm, and embark on your journey to reunification with confidence.