Unmarried Child (Under 21) of a U.S. Citizen (IR2)
Home / Unmarried Child (Under 21) of a U.S. Citizen (IR2)
Home / Unmarried Child (Under 21) of a U.S. Citizen (IR2)
Key Forms & Process
The process begins with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) along with proof of parent-child relationship (birth certificate showing both parents’ names, adoption decree, or legitimation documents). After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), where we submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). The child then attends an interview at the U.S. embassy in their home country. Once approved, they receive a 10-year permanent green card.
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates manage every step: gathering relationship evidence, document notarization (birth certificates, translations), affidavit of support review, and interview preparation. We also handle complex cases involving adopted children, stepchildren, or children born out of wedlock. If your child ages out (turns 21) during processing, we evaluate Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) eligibility to preserve their visa category.
Call us at 865-382-2900 to discuss your child’s IR2 eligibility and start the petition today.
They receive a 10-year green card. They can apply for naturalization (Form N-400) after 5 years as a permanent resident, or sooner if they meet special rules for children of U.S. citizens.
Certified birth certificate showing both parents' names. For adopted children: final adoption decree. For stepchildren: marriage certificate to biological parent plus evidence of relationship.
Yes, if you married the biological parent before the child turned 18. We help file Form I-130 with proof of marriage and relationship.
I-130, DS-260, I-864 (Affidavit of Support), plus civil documents (birth certificate, passport, police certificates if over 16).
No. Upon entry with an IR2 visa, they receive a green card and can work immediately.
Typically 10–14 months, depending on the U.S. embassy's backlog. It's faster than most family visas because there's no wait for visa numbers.
Yes. We provide document notarization, translation certification, and full legal advocacy for all IR2 cases.
