From Start to Finish: Applying for an IR-2 Child Visa Made Simple

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To obtain an IR-2 visa for a child, you’ll need to follow these general steps:

A skilled worker visa, often referred to as a work visa or employment visa, allows individuals to live and work in a foreign country based on their skills, qualifications, and employment opportunities. The requirements, application process, and types of skilled worker visas vary depending on the country’s immigration laws and regulations. Here’s a general overview of skilled worker visas:

• Eligibility Verification:
  • Ensure that the child meets the criteria for an IR-2 visa. This typically includes being under 21 years old and unmarried.
• File Form DS-260:
  • Complete and submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
• Pay Fees:
  • Pay the required visa fees, including the visa application fee and any other applicable fees.
• Gather Documents:
  • Gather necessary documents such as the child’s birth certificate, passport, photographs, medical examination reports, police certificates, and any other supporting documents as per the specific requirements of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the visa interview will take place.
• Schedule Visa Interview:
  • Schedule a visa interview appointment for the child at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where they reside.
• Attend Visa Interview:
  • Accompany the child to the visa interview. During the interview, the consular officer will review the application and supporting documents, ask questions, and determine if the child qualifies for the IR-2 visa.
• Wait for Visa Processing:
  • After the visa interview, wait for the visa processing to be completed. This may involve administrative processing, background checks, and verification of documents.
• Receive Visa:
  • If the visa is approved, the child will receive the IR-2 visa stamped in their passport, allowing them to travel to the United States as an immigrant.
• Travel to the United States:
  • Once the visa is issued, the child can travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they will become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and receive a Green Card.

How to apply for a green card as Spouses and Children of Green Card Holders (F2A)

To apply for a green card as spouses and children of green card holders (F2A category), you’ll generally need to follow these steps:

• Check Eligibility:
  • Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria as a spouse or child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• File Form I-130:
  • The green card holder (petitioner) must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of their spouse or child with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Include all required supporting documents, such as proof of the petitioner’s status, marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificates (for children), and other evidence to establish the relationship.
• Wait for Petition Approval:
  • USCIS will review the petition and, if approved, will notify the petitioner and forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
• Receive NVC Instructions:
  • Once the NVC receives the approved petition, they will provide instructions for the next steps, including submitting the required immigrant visa processing fees and supporting documents.
• Complete Form DS-260:
  • The spouse or child applying for the green card must complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
• Attend Visa Interview:
  • Schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the applicant resides. Attend the visa interview with all required documents, including the DS-260 confirmation page, passport, photographs, birth/marriage certificates, police certificates, and medical examination reports.
• Wait for Visa Processing:
  • After the visa interview, the consular officer will review the application and documents. If approved, the applicant will receive an immigrant visa to travel to the United States.
• Enter the United States:
  • Upon arrival in the United States, the spouse or child will become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and can apply for a Green Card.