IR-2/CR-2 Child of U.S. Citizen Visa

IR-2/CR-2 Visa for Children of US Citizens: How to Reunite with a Child in the USA

The family reunification procedure for US citizens provides for the possibility of obtaining a visa for their children - the IR-2/CR-2 Child of U.S. Citizen Visa category. This is an immigration visa that gives the child of a US citizen the right to move to America for permanent residence and obtain a Green Card. In this article, we will take a detailed look at who can use this visa, how the application procedure is carried out, how long it takes, and why legal support is crucial.

Who is eligible to obtain an IR-2 or CR-2 visa?

The IR-2/CR-2 visa is intended for unmarried children under the age of 21, one of whose parents is a US citizen. The IR-2 category is granted if the parents have been married for more than 2 years, and the CR-2 - if less. This difference affects only the duration of the conditional Green Card status that the child will receive upon arrival in the USA.

Important: there are no quotas or restrictions on the number of such visas, which allows you to avoid delays typical of other immigration categories. However, the procedure remains complex and requires accuracy at each stage.

How does the IR-2/CR-2 visa application process work?

The process of applying for an IR-2 or CR-2 visa consists of several sequential steps:

• Filing an I-130 petition
  The parent who is a US citizen files Form I-130 with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition specifies the child's personal data and confirms the family relationship (through a birth certificate or adoption documents).
• Transfer of the case to the National Visa Center (NVC)
• After the petition is approved, USCIS transfers it to the NVC, which begins visa processing: collects medical and financial documents, and schedules an interview at a US consulate.
• Medical Examination and Interview
  The child must undergo a mandatory medical examination by an approved physician, as well as an interview at the consulate. If approved, the IR-2/CR-2 visa is affixed to the passport, and the child can enter the United States.
• Obtaining a Green Card
  Upon entry, the child automatically receives permanent resident status in the United States and a Green Card by mail within a few weeks.

How long does it take to process an IR-2/CR-2 visa?

The total duration of the process may vary depending on individual circumstances, but on average it is:

1. 6–12 months - USCIS petition review;
2. 2–4 months - NVC case processing and waiting for an interview;
3. 1–2 weeks - receiving a passport with a visa after the interview.

Thus, the entire process takes from 8 to 16 months. If the documents are submitted with errors or additional requests (RFE) arise, the terms may increase.

Why do you need legal assistance?

At first glance, the procedure may seem simple, but in practice it includes many nuances:

• confirmation of custody if the parents are divorced;
• lack of documents or translations;
• complex family circumstances (adoption, previous marriages, dual citizenship).

That is why legal support at all stages of the IR-2/CR-2 visa application process significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining an entry permit for the child. 

Immigration law specialists will help:

• complete all forms correctly;
• collect evidence;
• avoid delays due to technical errors;
• communicate with USCIS, NVC or the consulate.