The processing time for IR-2 visas can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of visa applications, the workload at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country, and the complexity of the individual case. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the processing time for IR-2 visas ranged from several months to a year or more.
Here are some factors that can influence the processing time for IR-2 visas:
Case Complexity: Complicated cases or cases that require additional documentation or verification may take longer to process.
U.S. Embassy or Consulate Workload: The processing times can be affected by the number of visa applications received at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
NVC Processing: The National Visa Center (NVC) handles the initial processing of visa applications after USCIS approves the Form I-130 petition. The NVC may take some time to collect the required fees and documentation.
Consular Interview Availability: The waiting time for visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate can vary based on demand.
Administrative Processing: In some cases, additional administrative processing may be required, which can extend the overall processing time.
Country-Specific Factors: The processing time can also be influenced by specific country conditions, security checks, and other country-specific factors.
It’s important to remember that these processing times are approximate and subject to change. The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regularly update their websites with the most current processing times for visa applications.
To check the most up-to-date processing times for IR-2 visas, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin website and the USCIS website . These websites provide information on the processing times for different visa categories and the specific U.S. embassies or consulates processing the applications.
If you believe there are delays beyond the expected processing time or encounter any issues with your visa application, it’s advisable to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case or seek guidance from an immigration attorney for further assistance.
What Happens When an IR-2 Visa Application Is Approved?
When an IR-2 visa application is approved, it means that the child has been granted the visa to immigrate to the United States as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) based on their relationship with a U.S. citizen parent. Here’s what happens after an IR-2 visa application is approved:
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Visa Issuance:
- After the successful visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate and the approval of the IR-2 visa application, the U.S. embassy or consulate will affix the immigrant visa to the child’s passport.
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Visa Packet:
- The child will receive an immigrant visa packet containing important documents and information related to their immigration to the United States. This packet is generally sealed and should not be opened by the child.
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Travel to the U.S.:
- With the approved immigrant visa, the child can travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
- The child should carry the sealed immigrant visa packet and present it to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry when they arrive in the U.S.
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Admission as an IR-2 Immigrant:
- The CBP officer will review the child’s immigrant visa and other documents at the port of entry.
- If everything is in order, the CBP officer will grant the child admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the IR-2 immigrant category.
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Obtaining the Green Card (Permanent Resident Card):
- After arriving in the U.S. as an IR-2 immigrant, the child’s green card (permanent resident card) will be mailed to the U.S. address provided during the visa application process.
- The green card serves as official proof of the child’s lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
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Social Security Number:
- Once in the U.S., the child can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSN is essential for various purposes, including employment and tax purposes.
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Access to Benefits and Rights:
- As a lawful permanent resident, the child will have access to various benefits and rights, including the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., the ability to attend school, and eligibility for certain government benefits.
It’s important to note that the IR-2 visa confers lawful permanent resident status to the child, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. The child will have the opportunity to pursue U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process after meeting the required residency and other eligibility criteria.
