IR-2 Child Visa Guide from an Attorney

Last Updated on December 6, 2024 by Linda Lee

The IR-2 Child Visa is a type of immigrant visa issued by the U.S. government to eligible children of U.S. citizens. It classifies the child as an immediate relative, emphasizing the priority placed on family unity within the immigration process.

The IR-2 Child Visa is a crucial pathway for bringing children of U.S. citizens to the United States to live with their parents. This visa category is designed to reunite families by allowing eligible children to join their U.S. citizen parents and build a life together in the United States.

IR-2 Child Visa Summary

• The processing time for IR-2 visa is an average of 14.5 months, as of December 2024.
• The form needed to file an IR-2 visa is the Form I-130.
• The IR-2 visa costs, approximately, $895 as of December 2024.

In this article:

Who qualifies for an IR-2 Child Visa?
IR-2 Visa for Stepchild
IR-2 Visa Application Process
IR-2 Visa Filing Fee
IR-2 Visa Processing Time
Maintaining IR-2 Visa Status
Hire Attorney for IR-2 Visa
IR-2 Visa FAQ

Note to Readers:

Understanding the importance of the IR-2 Child Visa and meeting the eligibility criteria are crucial steps in the immigration process. This guide will walk you through the various aspects of applying for and obtaining the IR-2 Child Visa, ensuring a smooth and informed journey for you and your child. We recommend consulting with one of our attorneys if you are interested in obtaining an IR-2 visa for your child. Our family immigration attorneys have extensive experience with IR-2 visa applications and can help you through the process. Give us a call at (213) 375-4084.

Who Qualifies for an IR-2 Child Visa

To be eligible for the IR-2 Child Visa, the child must be the biological or adoptive child of a U.S. citizen. The qualifying relationships include:

• Biological Children: Children born to U.S. citizen parents automatically qualify for the IR-2 Child Visa.
• Adopted Children: Children adopted by U.S. citizens through legal means are also eligible for the IR-2 Child Visa.

Age and Marital Status:

The child must meet specific criteria related to age and marital status:

• Age Requirement: The child must be under the age of 21 at the time of visa issuance.
• Unmarried Status: The child must be unmarried, as the IR-2 visa is not applicable to married children.

Legal Recognition of Marriage:

If the U.S. citizen petitioner is married, the marriage must be legally recognized. If the petitioner is the step-parent of the child, the child must have been under the age of 18 when the parents were married. 

U.S. Residence of the Petitioner:

The U.S. citizen parent must be residing in the United States and be able to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship and residency.

IR-2 Visa for a Stepchild

U.S. citizens can initiate the application process for an IR-2 visa on behalf of their stepchild or stepchildren in a manner similar to that for a biological child. However, a key condition is that the marriage between the child’s birth parent and stepparent must have occurred before the child reached 18. Importantly, formal adoption of the stepchild is not a prerequisite for application.

If the stepchild is both unmarried and under 21, they fall under the category of an “immediate relative” of their U.S. citizen stepparent. Consequently, they can pursue an IR-2 visa without the need to await the availability of a green card.

IR-2 Visa Application Process

Navigating the application process for the IR-2 Child Visa involves several crucial steps. This section will guide you through each stage, providing essential information to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Required Documents

1. Child’s Birth Certificate:

One of the fundamental documents for the IR-2 Child Visa application is the child’s birth certificate. Ensure that it is an official and government-issued document providing details about the child’s birth, including the names of the parents.

2. Passport:

Obtain a valid passport for the child. The passport will serve as an essential travel document during the immigration process.

3. Medical Examination Records:

As part of the immigration process, the child will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. Keep records of this examination, as it is a mandatory component of the visa application.

4. Affidavit of Support:

The U.S. citizen parent must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate their ability to financially support the child. This form is a commitment to provide financial assistance, ensuring that the child will not become a public charge.

5. Other Supporting Documents:

Depending on the circumstances, additional supporting documents may be required. These could include adoption papers, proof of legal custody, or evidence of the U.S. citizen parent’s residency.

Form I-130

The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child and initiates the visa application process. It is highly advised that you seek the assistance of one of our experienced immigration attorneys for the application process. 

IR-2 Visa Application Fee

Pay the required visa application fee, as outlined by the USCIS. As of 2024, the government filing fees for an IR-2 child visa application is $675 for paper filing fee and $625 for online filing fee. This doesn’t include the medical examination fees. 

USCIS charges an immigration fee of $220 which must be paid after the child receives their IR-2 visa but before traveling to the U.S. Please refer to the USCIS fee calculator for more information.

NVC Processing and Visa Interview

Once Form I-130 is approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will provide further instructions, including the payment of additional fees. After completing these steps, schedule and attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the child’s home country.

IR-2 Child Visa Processing Time and Waiting Period

The total processing time for an IR-2 child visa varies. Right now, 80% of cases are adjudicated within 14 months. View the USCIS processing times page to get an up-to-date time for the form I-130. Thereafter, approximately, additional processing times of 2-6 months are required until the child scheduled for an immigrant Visa interview. 

To potentially reduce the processing time and avoid any delays or issues with the application, contact one of our attorneys at (213) 375-4084. We have a 99% approval rate. 

Parental and Legal Guardian Responsibilities

Understanding the responsibilities of the U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian is crucial for a successful and smooth transition for the child entering the United States on an IR-2 Child Visa. This section outlines key obligations and commitments.

Financial Support Obligations

As the sponsor of the IR-2 Child Visa, the U.S. citizen parent assumes financial responsibility for the child. This commitment is formalized through the submission of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). Key points regarding financial support include:

• Income Requirements: The sponsor must meet specific income requirements to demonstrate the ability to support the child. If the income is insufficient, alternative evidence or a joint sponsor may be considered.
• Duration of Responsibility: The financial support obligation typically lasts until the child becomes a U.S. citizen, reaches 18 years of age, or is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work.
• Preventing Public Charge: The sponsor’s commitment aims to ensure that the child does not become a public charge and relies on public assistance.

Provide a Stable and Caring Environment

Beyond financial support, the U.S. citizen parent must provide a stable and caring environment for the child’s well-being. This includes:

• Parental Care: The U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian is expected to fulfill the parental role, offering emotional support, guidance, and a nurturing environment.
• Educational Opportunities: Facilitating the child’s access to quality education is a key responsibility. Enrolling the child in school and supporting their academic endeavors are integral components.
• Healthcare Access: Ensuring the child has access to healthcare services is paramount. This involves obtaining health insurance coverage and scheduling regular check-ups.

Legal Obligations of the Sponsor

Understanding the legal obligations associated with the IR-2 Child Visa is essential:

• Reporting Changes: The sponsor must promptly report any changes in address or contact information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Maintaining Visa Status: The U.S. citizen parent must ensure that the child complies with visa regulations and takes steps to maintain legal status in the United States.
• Petitioning for Permanent Residency: Once in the U.S., the U.S. citizen parent may initiate the process for the child to obtain permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.

Maintaining IR-2 Visa Status

Maintaining the visa status of an IR-2 Child Visa is crucial to ensure the child’s lawful presence in the United States. This section provides an overview of visa expiration, renewals, and the importance of updating the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with address changes.

Overview of Visa Expiration and Renewals

1. Visa Expiration:

The IR-2 Child Visa has an expiration date, typically marked on the visa stamp in the child’s passport. It is essential to be aware of this expiration date to avoid any legal complications.

2. Duration of Visa Validity:

The duration of visa validity may vary, but generally, the IR-2 Child Visa allows the child to enter the U.S. and stay for an initial period. It is important to plan accordingly to ensure that the child’s stay aligns with the authorized period.

3. Extensions and Renewals:

If needed, the U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian can explore options for extending or renewing the child’s visa status. This may involve filing appropriate petitions or applications with USCIS.

Importance of Hiring an Immigration Attorney for the IR-2 Visa Application

Navigating the complexities of the IR-2 Child Visa application process can be challenging, and seeking the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney at ILOLA can offer numerous advantages. This section outlines key reasons why hiring one of our immigration attorneys is the best approach.

Expertise in Immigration Law

1. Navigating Legal Complexity:

Immigration laws are intricate and subject to frequent changes. Our immigration attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of these laws, ensuring accurate interpretation and application to your specific case.

2. Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Incorrectly filled forms, missed deadlines, or other mistakes can lead to delays or denials. At ILOLA, our attorney’s expertise minimizes the risk of errors, ultimately saving time and potential costs.

Individualized Guidance and Strategy

1. Customized Approach:

We can assess your unique situation and provide a tailored strategy based on the specifics of your case. This personalized approach enhances the chances of a successful application.

2. Addressing Challenges:

If your case involves complexities or potential issues, our attorney can proactively address them, developing strategies to overcome challenges that may arise during the application process.

Assistance with Documentation

1. Document Preparation:

We can guide you in gathering and will prepare the necessary documents, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of the immigration authorities.

2. Submission Accuracy:

Our attorneys are highly experienced at completing forms accurately and ensuring that all required documents are submitted, reducing the likelihood of requests for additional information or documentation.

Mitigating Delays and Challenges

1. Proactive Problem-Solving:

In the event of delays or unforeseen challenges, our immigration attorney can navigate these issues proactively, identifying solutions and minimizing disruptions to your application.

2. Staying Updated:

Our attorneys stay informed about changes in immigration policies and procedures, ensuring that your application aligns with the latest requirements.

Your Peace of Mind

1. Reducing Stress:

Navigating the immigration process can be stressful. Hiring our attorney allows you to focus on your family while entrusting the legal complexities to a seasoned professional.

2. Confidence in the Process:

With one of our attorneys by your side, you can approach the IR-2 Child Visa application with confidence, knowing that you have a knowledgeable advocate supporting you every step of the way.

While it’s possible to navigate the IR-2 Child Visa application process independently, enlisting the expertise of an immigration attorney at ILOLA will significantly enhance your chances of success. From legal expertise to personalized guidance, the benefits of professional assistance are invaluable, providing a smoother and more efficient immigration experience for you and your child. Give us a call today at (213) 375-4084 or fill out the contact form here. 

IR-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

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