U.S. Immigrant Visa for Children of U.S. Citizens (IR2/CR2)

1. What is the process for obtaining an IR2/CR2 visa for a child of a U.S. citizen?


The process for obtaining an IR2/CR2 visa for a child of a U.S. citizen is as follows:

1. The parent must file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) on behalf of the child with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Upon approval of the petition, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.

3. The NVC will send the petitioner and child an immigrant visa packet, which includes instructions, forms, lists of documents, and information about fees.

4. The petitioner and child must gather the required documents and submit them to the NVC with the appropriate fees.

5. Once all documents are received, the NVC will schedule an interview for the child at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

6. At the interview, the consular officer will review the supporting documents and adjudicate the case. If approved, the child will be granted an IR2/CR2 visa and be able to travel to the United States as a permanent resident.

2. What documents are required to apply for an IR2/CR2 visa for a child of a U.S. citizen?


In order to apply for an IR2/CR2 visa for a child of a U.S. citizen, the applicant must provide the following documents:

-A valid passport
-Proof of Relationship to the Petitioner (birth certificate, adoption papers, etc.)
-Form DS-230 Part I and Part II (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application)
-Form I-864 Affidavit of Support from the U.S. citizen parent
-Medical Examination Report (Form I-693)
-Two passport-style photos
-Proof of Payment of the required visa application fee (if applicable)

3. What processing time is expected for an IR2/CR2 visa application?


The processing time for an IR2/CR2 visa application will vary depending on the country of origin. However, most applications take around 8-10 months to process.

4. How long is an IR2/CR2 visa valid?


An IR2 or CR2 visa is valid for up to two years.

5. How can a child of a U.S. citizen qualify for an IR2/CR2 visa?


A child of a U.S. citizen can qualify for an IR2/CR2 visa if they are an unmarried child under the age of 21 and are the biological child of the U.S. citizen parent. Additionally, the parent-child relationship must have been established before the child’s 21st birthday. The U.S. citizen parent must have been a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth to qualify for this visa.

6. What eligibility requirements must be met in order to receive an IR2/CR2 visa?


In order to receive an IR2/CR2 visa, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

1. The foreign national must be the unmarried, minor child of a United States citizen.

2. The child must be under 21 years of age and not married.

3. The child must be in good health and have the required vaccinations to enter the United States.

4. The child must not have a criminal record or any other issues that would make them ineligible for a U.S. visa.

5. The child must have proof that they are related to the U.S. citizen parent, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

6. The U.S citizen parent must establish that they can provide financial support to the child while living in the United States.

7. Can a U.S. citizen petition for his or her child to receive an IR2/CR2 visa?


Yes, a U.S. citizen can petition for his or her child to receive an IR2/CR2 visa. To do so, the U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. The form must include proof of the parent-child relationship and proof that the child is a foreign national residing abroad who is eligible for an IR2/CR2 visa.

8. Is there a fee associated with filing an IR2/CR2 visa application?


Yes, there is a fee associated with filing an IR2/CR2 visa application. The fee is the same as the Immigration and Naturalization (I & N) filing fee for the Form I-130, which is currently $535.

9. Is there an age limit for a child of a U.S. citizen to receive an IR2/CR2 visa?


Yes, a child of a U.S. citizen who is seeking an IR2/CR2 visa must be under the age of 18 to be eligible for the visa.

10. Can the child of a U.S. citizen receive dependent benefits with an IR2/CR2 visa?


Yes, the child of a U.S. citizen can receive dependent benefits with an IR2/CR2 visa.

11. What restrictions are in place for the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa?


The holder of an IR2/CR2 visa is subject to certain restrictions, including the following:

• Travel outside the U.S. is limited to brief visits of up to six months.
• Permanent residency is not granted, and the visa holder cannot become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
• The visa holder cannot work in the U.S. without obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• The visa holder may not receive certain public benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• The visa holder must apply for an extension of stay before their current visa expires.

12. Can the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident?


Yes, the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa can adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident. They must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and demonstrate that they are eligible for a Green Card.

13. Is the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa restricted from attending school in the U.S.?


No, a holder of an IR2/CR2 visa is not restricted from attending school in the U.S.

14. Can the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa enter and exit the United States multiple times?


Yes, the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa can enter and exit the United States multiple times.

15. Are there any travel limitations associated with an IR2/CR2 visa?


Yes, travel limitations are associated with an IR2/CR2 visa. The IR2/CR2 visa holder has to enter the United States within six months of the visa issuance date and must remain in the U.S. for the duration of the visa. The visa holder is not permitted to travel outside the country without prior permission from USCIS.

16. How long can the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa remain in the United States?


The holder of an IR2/CR2 visa can remain in the United States indefinitely, as long as they maintain their legal status.

17. Can the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa work in the United States?


Yes, the holder of an IR2/CR2 visa is eligible for work authorization in the United States. However, they must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

18. Are there any restrictions on eligibility for naturalization or citizenship through an IR2/CR2 visa?


Yes, there are certain restrictions on eligibility for naturalization or citizenship through an IR2/CR2 visa. To obtain citizenship through this type of visa, the individual must meet certain criteria, including having been physically present in the United States for at least five years; having been a permanent resident for at least three years; not having been out of the United States for more than six months at a time; being able to pass a background check; and having good moral character.

19. Does the holder of an IR 2/CR 2 visa need special permission to obtain a driver’s license in the United States?


Yes, the holder of an IR 2/CR 2 visa needs special permission to obtain a driver’s license in the United States. The visa holder must present a valid driver’s license from their home country or other proof of identity, such as a passport, as well as proof of legal immigration status in the United States.

20. Is it possible to renew or extend an IR 2/CR 2 visa once it has expired?


No, once an IR 2/CR 2 visa has expired it cannot be renewed or extended.