IR2 visa explained: process, timeline & tips

What is an IR2 visa?

The IR2 visa is an Immediate Relative visa designed for children of United States citizens. It grants a green card (lawful permanent residency) upon arrival in the United States, allowing the child to live, study and/or eventually work in America.

IR2 visa requirements

To qualify for an IR2 visa, the individual must:

1. Be under 21 years of age
2. Be unmarried
3. Have at least one U.S. citizen parent
4. Meet the legal and biological or adoptive parent relationship requirements.

Once the visa has been approved, IR2 visa holders receive permanent resident status when arriving in the USA.

What are the IR2 visa application processing times?

The processing time for an IR2 visa can vary based on factors such as USCIS workload, and where the application is being processed. On average the visa processing can take from 3 months, though it may take longer. Applicants would also need to take into consideration current I-130 petition processing times which would occur before being able to apply for the visa.

As for all other visa applications, you can check the current processing times on the USCIS website.

IR2 visa interview questions

As part of most visa application processes, an interview will be required in order to be given an IR2 visa. In the case of the IR2 visa, the child and their US citizen parent will be required to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate. During the interview, the officer will verify the parent-child relationship and assess case eligibility.

Common questions can include the following:

You should always make sure to bring all required documentation, including your birth certificate, adoption papers (if applicable) and proof of the parent-child relationship (photos, and other legal documents) to your interview.

What are my rights as an IR2 visa holder?

Once you enter the U.S. on an IR2 visa, you automatically become a lawful permanent resident. This grants you several rights, including the following:

• Right to live and work permanently in the United States
• Access to education and public benefits (if eligible)
• Pathway to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident
• Right to travel in and out of the U.S. with a green card

How Blue Lake Law can help with your case

Working through the US immigration process can be difficult and frustrating, but our team at Blue Lake Law are keen to provide you with expert support every step of the way. Our team can help in a variety of ways, including:

• Exploring your immigration options
• Application form assistance
• Document review & preparation
• Interview preparation
• Delay resolution

Have more questions?

If you have questions about the IR2 visa which were left unanswered by this blog post, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Blue Lake Law today – our US immigration specialists will be more than happy to assist you throughout your application process.