IR-2 Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen

The IR-2 visa category is designed for the unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens. Here are key aspects of the IR-2 visa:

• Eligibility: The IR-2 visa is available to children who are under 21 years of age and unmarried, born to a U.S. citizen parent.
• Immediate Relative: The IR-2 visa falls under the category of immediate relative visas, which do not have numerical limitations, making them immediately available once the petition is approved.
• Petition: To sponsor an unmarried child under 21 years of age for an IR-2 visa, the U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Age Requirement: It's crucial that the child is under 21 years of age at the time the USCIS receives the I-130 petition. If the child turns 21 before the petition is approved, they may no longer qualify for the IR-2 visa category.
• Derivative Beneficiaries: Children of IR-2 visa holders who are under 21 years old may accompany or follow to join the principal applicant as derivative beneficiaries.
• Permanent Residency: Once the IR-2 visa is approved and the child is admitted to the United States, they become lawful permanent residents and may eventually be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
• Documentation: Along with the I-130 petition, applicants must provide supporting documentation, including proof of the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates, as well as any required medical examinations and police clearances.
• Processing Time: The processing time for IR-2 visas may vary depending on factors such as the workload of the USCIS office and any additional processing required.
• Adoption: Children who are adopted by a U.S. citizen parent may also qualify for the IR-2 visa category, provided the adoption meets certain legal requirements and is recognized by U.S. immigration law.

Navigating the IR-2 visa process can be complex, so it's advisable for U.S. citizen parents to seek legal guidance to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.