What is an IR-5 visa?
The IR-5 visa is a specific category of immigrant visa issued by the United States for the purpose of family reunification. It is intended for the parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. The IR-5 visa allows parents to immigrate to the United States as lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and live with their U.S. citizen children.
Here are some key points about the IR-5 visa:
- Eligibility: To be eligible for the IR-5 visa, the petitioner (the U.S. citizen child) must be at least 21 years old and able to prove the parent-child relationship. The parent seeking the IR-5 visa must also meet the eligibility criteria for an immigrant visa, including passing medical and background checks.
- Family Reunification: The IR-5 visa is designed to facilitate family reunification. It allows U.S. citizens to bring their parents to the United States to live permanently. This visa category recognizes the importance of keeping families together.
- Application Process: The process for obtaining an IR-5 visa typically involves several steps. The U.S. citizen child needs to file a petition on behalf of their parent using Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Once the petition is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the parent can proceed with the visa application process.
- Immigrant Visa Process: After the I-130 petition is approved, the parent will need to go through the immigrant visa application process. This involves submitting various documents, undergoing a medical examination, and attending a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the parent’s home country.
- Green Card: If the parent is approved for the IR-5 visa and enters the United States, they will be granted lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card. This allows them to live and work in the U.S. permanently and travel in and out of the country.
- Conditional Permanent Residence: If the parent has been married to the U.S. citizen petitioner for less than two years at the time they obtain their green card, they will be granted conditional permanent residence. After two years, they must file a petition to remove the conditions and demonstrate the bona fide nature of their marriage.
If you’re considering sponsoring a parent for an IR-5 visa, I recommend visiting the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consulting with an immigration attorney to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation.
How to apply for an IR-5 visa?
Applying for an IR-5 visa, which is a family-based immigrant visa for parents of U.S. citizens, involves a multi-step process. Here’s a general overview of the steps you would typically take to apply for an IR-5 visa:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The first step is for the U.S. citizen child (petitioner) to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of their parent. This form establishes the parent-child relationship and is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petitioner must include evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates, passports, and other supporting documents.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: After submitting Form I-130, you’ll need to wait for USCIS to process and approve the petition. Once approved, USCIS will send a Notice of Approval indicating that the petition has been accepted.
- Receive Case Number and Choose National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After approval, you’ll receive a case number from the National Visa Center (NVC). You’ll need to choose between Consular Processing (visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad) or Adjustment of Status (if the parent is already in the U.S.).
- Submit Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): If you choose Consular Processing, you’ll need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show that you have the financial means to support your parent. This form demonstrates that your parent will not become a public charge in the United States.
- Pay Fees: You’ll need to pay various fees associated with the visa application process, including the visa application fee, Affidavit of Support fee, and possibly other fees.
- Submit Civil Documents: You’ll need to gather and submit civil documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, and any other required documents.
- Complete DS-260: If you choose Consular Processing, your parent will need to complete Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application. This form collects biographic information and details about your parent’s intended travel and stay in the U.S.
- Attend Medical Examination: Your parent will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician to ensure they meet the health requirements for immigration.
- Attend Visa Interview: Your parent will need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The consular officer will review their documents, ask questions, and determine their eligibility for the IR-5 visa.
- Receive Visa and Travel to the U.S.: If the visa is approved, your parent will receive an immigrant visa in their passport. They can use this visa to travel to the United States.
- Enter the U.S. and Receive Green Card: Upon arrival in the U.S., your parent will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If admitted, they will become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and will receive their physical green card in the mail.
Please note that the above steps are a general outline and that the process can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. It’s recommended to visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information and guidance specific to your situation. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
How much does it cost to apply for an IR-5 visa?
The cost to apply for an IR-5 visa, which is a family-based immigrant visa for parents of U.S. citizens, can vary based on factors such as the specific steps you need to complete and the location where you’ll be applying. Keep in mind that fees can change, so it’s important to check the official U.S. Department of State website or the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you’ll be applying for the most up-to-date fee information. However, here are some of the common fees associated with the IR-5 visa application process:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner on behalf of their parent.The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Fee: The NVC fee is typically paid after the I-130 petition is approved and you’re preparing to move forward with the immigrant visa process. NVC fee for an immediate relative (IR) immigrant visa is $325.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) Fee: If you’re using the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate financial support for your parent, there is a fee associated with submitting this form. This fee varies based on the immigrant visa category.
- Medical Examination Fee: Your parent will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the country and the specific panel physician.
- Visa Application Fee: The visa application fee is paid when your parent submits Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application. The fee can vary based on the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will be conducted.
- Other Costs: There may be additional costs associated with obtaining required documents, translations, and other services required for the visa application process.
It’s important to gather accurate and up-to-date fee information from official sources before starting the visa application process. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website provides detailed information about visa fees and payment methods. Additionally, consider consulting with an immigration attorney to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the fees involved in the IR-5 visa application process.
