United States•North AmericaCR-2 — Conditional Resident Child of U.S. Citizen
At a Glance
3 months – 1.4 years
Varies by processing route
USD $2,055
2 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in United States
Overview
For children admitted within 2 years of parent's marriage. Conditional 2-year green card.
The CR-2 is a US immigrant visa for an unmarried child under 21 whose parent is married to a US citizen, where that marriage was less than two years old at the time of admission. The child enters as a conditional permanent resident, receiving a 2-year green card rather than a standard 10-year card.
To convert to full LPR status, the family files Form I-751 within the 90-day window before the conditional card expires, proving the marriage is genuine. No job offer is needed; the child receives full work authorization upon entry, and the visa carries dual intent, allowing pursuit of permanent residence.
This visa is ideal for stepchildren of US citizens joining a recently formed family unit, where the qualifying marriage is under two years old.

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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| I-130 adjudication | 10 months – 1.4 years |
| NVC + consular | 3–6 months |
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Child must be unmarried and under 21
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
Conditional status from qualifying marriage < 2 years old
Must file I-751 within 90 days before 2-year anniversary
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All IR-2 documents
Evidence of bona fide marriage
I-751 with evidence of continued marriage (filed later)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No annual cap
- Full work authorization from entry
- Green Card issued immediately
- Converts to 10-year LPR after I-751
Worth Knowing
- Must file I-751 within strict 90-day window
- I-751 requires ~$750 additional fees
- If marriage dissolves, need independent I-751 with waiver
Application Process
U.S. citizen files I-130
USCIS approves, forwards to NVC
NVC collects fees, requests DS-260
Consular interview
Medical examination
CR-2 visa issued (conditional)
Enter U.S. with 2-year conditional Green Card
File I-751 within 90 days before 2-year anniversary
Application Forms
| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | Fill online |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA | Fill online |
| DS-2054 Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant | Fill online |
| I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Fill online |
Related visas
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Living in United States
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