U.S IR-2 Child Visa 2025 – Guide to Immigration

If you’re a U.S. citizen looking to bring your child home from abroad, the IR-2 visa offers a clear path to permanent residency with no job experience or salary requirements to worry about. This is not a work visa but an immigrant visa designed especially for biological, adopted, and stepchildren under 21 years old who are unmarried.

The process involves physical paperwork, medical exams, and embassy interviews, so it requires careful preparation and physical presence for some steps, but it opens the door to a new life in the U.S. for your child.

Eligibility for IR-2 Visa:

To qualify for an IR-2 visa, your child must:

• Be under 21 years old at the time of application
• Be unmarried
• Have a U.S. citizen parent sponsoring them
• Meet custody and relationship requirements:
  • For biological children, proof of your parent-child relationship (birth certificate)
  • For adopted children, the adoption must have been finalized before the child’s 16th birthday
  • For stepchildren, your marriage to the biological parent must have happened before the child turned 18
• You, as the sponsor, must have had legal custody of the child abroad for at least two years (some exceptions apply for adoption cases)

Visa for Adopted Children:

Yes! Adopted children who meet the age and custody requirements can apply under the IR-2 visa category. If you are adopting a child outside the U.S., the IR-2 visa allows the child to immigrate to the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.

Visa Timeline and Processing Time:

The IR-2 visa process typically takes 17 to 24 months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and government processing times.

Tips to avoid delays:

• Submit complete and accurate forms
• Include all required documents and translations
• Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFE)

Visa Cost:

• USCIS Form I-130 fee: $675
• National Visa Center (NVC) fee: $325
• Medical exam: Usually between $200 and $500, depending on your country
• Additional costs may apply for document translations, travel, and other services

Visa Interview Questions:

Once your petition is approved, your child will attend an IR-2 visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. This interview is an important step to verify eligibility and ensure all paperwork is complete.

Here are some common IR-2 visa interview questions your child or you might be asked:

• What is your relationship to the U.S. citizen petitioner?
• How old are you?
• Are you currently married?
• Have you ever been to the United States before?
• Do you have any family members currently living in the U.S.?
• Who is the U.S. citizen parent filing this petition?
• Can you provide birth certificates or adoption papers?
• What are your plans after arriving in the U.S.?

Being honest, clear, and prepared with original documents can greatly ease the interview process.

Information for Successful Interview:

• Bring all required documents neatly organized, including passports, birth certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship of the parent, and visa application forms.
• Dress neatly and arrive early.
• Practice answering typical questions calmly and confidently.
• Ensure the child understands the purpose of the interview if they are old enough to participate.

Check Also: CR1 & IR1 Spouse Visa – Detailed Information

How to Apply for U.S IR-2 Child Visa 2025?

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• Purpose: To prove your relationship with the child
• What you’ll need to include:
  • Filing fee of $675
  • Proof you are a U.S. citizen (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
  • Evidence of your parent-child relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers)

Send your completed Form I-130 package to USCIS.

USCIS will send you a receipt notice within about two weeks and may request additional evidence within 2-3 months if needed.

Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval

• Once USCIS approves Form I-130, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• The NVC manages the visa application and schedules the consular interview.

Step 3: Submit Visa Application (Form DS-260)

• Complete the online immigrant visa application (Form DS-260) through the NVC.
• Pay the NVC processing fee of $325.
• Submit required supporting documents, including:
  • Child’s birth certificate and passport page
  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) showing your ability to financially support your child (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs)

Step 4: Prepare for the Embassy Interview

• The U.S. embassy or consulate in your child’s home country will schedule an interview.
• Before the interview, your child must complete a medical exam by an authorized physician.
• At the interview, your child should bring:
  • Appointment letter from USCIS
  • Valid passport (with at least six months validity beyond planned entry date)
  • Two identical passport photos
  • Originals or certified copies of civil documents
  • Translations of any documents not in English

The consular officer will ask questions to confirm the parent-child relationship and the authenticity of the application.

Step 5: Visa Issuance and Arrival in the U.S.

• If the visa is approved, your child can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
• If your child is under 18 at entry and living with you, they may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
• Children who enter over age 18 will be permanent residents (green card holders).

Information for Successful Application:

• Always double-check document requirements and translations.
• Keep copies of every form and document submitted.
• Respond promptly to any USCIS or NVC requests.
• Prepare your child for the interview with simple, truthful answers.
• Consider consulting an immigration attorney or a trusted service provider for help.

Conclusion:

Bringing your child to the U.S. with an IR-2 visa is a meaningful journey that requires careful preparation and patience. By following the application steps and preparing well for the interview, you can help your child start a new life as a permanent resident. This visa not only reunites families but also opens the door to a brighter future together.

Frequently Asked Questions: