IR-2 Visa: Unmarried Child of a U.S. Citizen

The IR-2 (Immediate Relative) visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. The IR-2 has no annual cap as an immediate relative visa, ensuring faster processing for eligible applicants.

What is the IR-2 Visa?

The IR-2 visa is issued to unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens, allowing them to immigrate to the United States as lawful permanent residents. This visa grants the child a Green Card, ensuring they can live, study, and work in the U.S.

If the child is under 18 and lives with a U.S. citizen parent, they automatically becomes U.S. citizen after entering the U.S. with an IR-2 visa.
If the child is over 18 but under 21, they receives a Green Card and must apply for naturalization later.

Benefits of the IR-2 Visa

Permanent Residency

Provides a Green Card for children to live permanently in the U.S.

No Visa Cap

No waiting lists because applications are processed as soon as submitted.

Education & Work

Access to U.S. schools and eligibility to work upon Green Card approval.

Path to Citizenship

Children under 18 acquire U.S. citizenship upon Green Card approval if residing with the U.S. citizen parent.

How to Apply for an IR-2 Visa

File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The U.S. citizen parent must submit Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the parent-child relationship.
USCIS Processing & Approval: Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC assigns a case number and requests additional documents.
Submit Visa Application (DS-260) & Pay Fees: The parent or legal guardian completes Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and pays the required visa processing fees.
Medical Exam & Interview: If approved, the child receives an IR-2 visa and can travel to the U.S. Upon entry, they receive their Green Card and, in some cases, automatic U.S. citizenship.
Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry: The foreign spouse must pass background checks and medical screenin

IR-2 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the IR-2 visa, the following conditions must be met:

Eligible Parent

The petitioning parent must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders are not eligible).

Valid Parent-Child Relationship

The child must be biological, adopted, or a stepchild (if the marriage creating the stepchild relationship occurred before the child turned 18).

Unmarried & Under 21

The child must be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of application.

Legal Adoption (if applicable)

If adopted, the child must meet the two-year legal custody and physical residence requirement.

Intent to Reside in the U.S

The child must plan to live in the United States permanently.

Why Atif Law Firm?

At Atif Law Firm, we strive to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Expertise in Immigration Law

Skilled in visas, green cards & deportation defense.

Personalized Legal Guidance

Tailored solutions for your unique immigration needs.

Trustworthy Representation

Clear communication and honest representation every step of the way.

Required Documents for the IR-2 Visa

Valid child passport
Birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship
Proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioning parent (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate)
Form I-130 approval notice from USCIS
Form DS-260 confirmation page
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) proving financial capability
Medical examination results from a USCIS-approved physician
Police clearance certificate (if the child is over 16)
Adoption papers (if applicable) for adopted children
Evidence of legal custody (if applicable)

Processing Time for the IR-2 Visa

The processing time for the IR-2 visa varies but typically takes 8 to 14 months, depending on:

USCIS processing time for Form I-130
NVC document review and case processing
Visa interview appointment availability

Since there is no visa cap, applicants do not face long waiting periods like other family-based visa categories.

IR2 Visa