For a US citizen parent living apart from their child, there is no greater priority than being reunited. The US immigration system recognizes the fundamental importance of keeping families together, and the IR-2 visa is a direct reflection of that principle. This visa provides a clear legal channel for the children of US citizens to come to the United States, not just for a temporary visit, but to live permanently and receive a green card.
The process of petitioning for a family member can seem demanding, but it is a well-established journey. At Remitly, we’re here to support you with clear, reliable information every step of the way. This guide will walk you through the entire IR-2 visa process, from eligibility and required documents to the final interview, so you can confidently work toward bringing your child home.
What is the IR-2 visa?
The IR-2 visa is a family-based immigrant visa specifically for the children of US citizens. It falls into a special category that offers significant advantages for families seeking to reunite.
Defining the IR-2: An immigrant visa for children of US citizens
The “IR” in IR-2 stands for Immediate Relative. Unlike many other family-based green card categories, which have long waiting lists, the IR-2 visa is for those considered the closest family members of a US citizen. An approved IR-2 visa grants the child the right to travel to the United States and become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or green card holder, immediately upon arrival.
The “Immediate Relative” advantage: No annual caps
An immense benefit of the IR-2 category is that there are no annual numerical limits on the number of visas that can be issued. For other family preference categories (like for siblings or married children of US citizens), strict annual caps create long backlogs, often lasting many years. Because the IR-2 category has no cap, the processing time is generally much faster, determined only by how long it takes the government agencies to process the application.
Eligibility requirements for the IR-2 visa
To qualify for an IR-2 visa, both the US citizen parent (the petitioner) and the child (the beneficiary) must meet specific criteria defined by US immigration law.
For the petitioner (the parent)
The petitioner must be a US citizen and be able to prove their citizenship through a US birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or other official document. They must also be able to demonstrate a qualifying parent-child relationship.
For the beneficiary (the child)
The child must be:
- Under the age of 21.
- Unmarried.
If a child gets married or turns 21 before their immigrant visa is issued, they may lose eligibility for the IR-2 category, though some protections exist under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), which we discuss later.
Defining “child” for immigration purposes
The US government has a broad definition of “child” for the IR-2 visa. It includes:
- Biological children born to a US citizen parent.
- Adopted children, provided the adoption meets specific legal requirements.
- Stepchildren, provided the marriage that created the stepparent-stepchild relationship occurred before the child turned 18.
Required documentation for the IR-2 visa application
A complete and well-organized document file is the foundation of a successful IR-2 petition. You will need to provide strong evidence of the relationship, citizenship, and financial ability to support your child.
Evidence of the parent-child relationship
For a biological child: A copy of the child’s official birth certificate listing the US citizen as a parent.
For a stepchild: Copies of the child’s birth certificate and the marriage certificate of the US citizen to the child’s biological parent.
For an adopted child: A copy of the final adoption decree and other related legal documents.
Proof of the petitioner’s US citizenship
A copy of a valid US passport, US birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Documents for the child
- A copy of the child’s valid passport.
- Two identical color passport-style photographs.
Financial sponsorship documents
The US citizen parent must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), a legally binding contract showing they can financially support their child at 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size. This must be submitted with supporting financial evidence, such as federal tax returns, pay stubs, and a letter of employment.
The IR-2 application process: A step-by-step guide
The process involves several stages with different US government agencies, primarily USCIS and the Department of State.
Step 1: The US citizen parent files Form I-130
The journey begins when the US citizen parent files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition, along with the required supporting documents, officially establishes the valid parent-child relationship. The petition currently has a filing fee of $675 USD.
Step 2: Processing at the National Visa Center (NVC)
Once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is transferred to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will collect the required visa application fees and supporting civil documents, including the Affidavit of Support from the petitioner and the visa application form for the child.
Step 3: Complete Form DS-260 and the medical examination
The child (or the parent on their behalf) will complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application). There is a processing fee that is currently set at $325. The child must also undergo a medical examination conducted by a physician specifically authorized by the local US embassy or consulate.
Step 4: The consular interview
Once the NVC has all the necessary documents and fees, they will schedule an immigrant visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in the child’s home country. The child and, in many cases, the US citizen parent, must attend this interview. A consular officer will review the documents and ask questions to confirm eligibility. If approved, the visa is placed in the child’s passport. There is a separate $220 USCIS immigrant fee to be paid after visa approval.
From an IR-2 visa to a green card holder
Unlike temporary visas, the IR-2 visa leads directly to permanent residency upon arrival in the United States.
Entering the US and becoming a lawful permanent resident
Once the child enters the United States with their IR-2 immigrant visa, they are considered a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) from the moment of their admission. The physical green card (Form I-551) will be mailed to their US address after a processing time ranging from 12 to 18 months.
Maintaining LPR status
As a green card holder, the child has the right to live, work (if of age), and study in the US permanently. To maintain this status, they must reside primarily in the US and renew their physical green card every ten years (if a 10-year card is issued).
Common challenges and solutions
Families may encounter a few common hurdles during the IR-2 process.
Proving a bona fide relationship
For stepchildren or adopted children, USCIS and consular officers will look closely at the evidence to ensure the relationship is genuine and meets all legal requirements. Provide extensive documentation. For step-relationships, this can include photos together over time and evidence that the couple has combined their lives. For adoptions, ensure all legal paperwork is complete and complies with US and international adoption laws.
Meeting the financial sponsorship requirements
The US citizen parent must meet the income requirements for the Affidavit of Support. If the petitioner’s income is insufficient, they can use the value of certain assets to meet the requirement or find a joint sponsor who is another US citizen or LPR and agrees to be financially responsible for the child.
The child “aging out”
If a child turns 21 during the process, they can lose eligibility for the IR-2 visa. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) provides some relief. It allows the child’s age to be “frozen” on the date the I-130 petition was filed. As long as the child doesn’t marry, CSPA can often protect them from aging out. However, the rules are complex, so filing the petition as early as possible is always the best strategy.
Tips for a successful IR-2 application
File as early as possible: If your child is approaching 21, do not delay filing Form I-130. This sets their “priority date” and can help protect them under CSPA.
Create a thorough document checklist: The IR-2 process requires many documents. Create a checklist at the beginning and keep both physical and digital copies of everything you submit.
Prepare the child for the consular interview: Explain the process to your child in an age-appropriate way. For older children, practice answering basic questions about their relationship with their parent and their desire to live in the US. The goal is for them to be comfortable and honest. When you move, managing your money is a priority. Remember that Remitly makes it easy to send money home.
Final thoughts
The IR-2 visa is one of the most direct ways for US citizens to permanently bring their children to live with them. While the process can feel detailed and time-consuming, it’s built to support family reunification.
Success comes down to good preparation: knowing the requirements, getting your paperwork in order, and staying on top of deadlines. With a solid application, you’ll be well on your way to welcoming your child home in the US.
FAQs
What is the average processing time for an IR-2 visa?
Because there are no annual visa caps, processing times usually range from 12 to 18 months, depending on USCIS and NVC backlogs and the specific workload of the US embassy or consulate.
Can stepchildren qualify for the IR-2 visa?
Yes, as long as the marriage that created the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18.
What happens if the child turns 21 during the application process?
The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) often protects the child from “aging out.” The law allows the child’s age to be locked in as of the date the I-130 petition was filed, so even if they turn 21 while waiting, they can often still qualify as an immediate relative.
Is there an income requirement for US citizens sponsoring children under the IR-2 visa?
Yes. The US citizen petitioner must file a legally binding Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and meet the income requirements set by the US government, which is based on 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size.
How do I contact the embassy if a consular interview is delayed?
You should first check the status of your case online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). If there are significant delays after your case has been transferred to the embassy, you can use the public inquiry form or contact information available on that specific US embassy or consulate’s website.