IR-2 — Unmarried Child (under 21) of U.S. Citizen

The IR-2 is a US immigrant visa for the unmarried child under 21 of a US citizen. Classified as an immediate relative, it carries no annual cap or visa bulletin wait — the child is admitted directly as a lawful permanent resident upon entry.

No job offer or education is required. The petitioner files Form I-130 ($625 online), followed by DS-260 ($325) and the $220 USCIS immigrant fee — around $1,170 total. Children under 18 residing with a US citizen parent may automatically acquire citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

This visa is ideal for minor children of US citizens living abroad who need a permanent, cap-exempt path to the US without employment or education prerequisites.