How to apply for an IR-5 visa?
To apply for an IR-5 visa for your parents, you, as the U.S. citizen petitioner, will need to go through several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an IR-5 visa:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Provide a copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Proof of Relationship: Gather documents proving your relationship to your parents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and adoption papers (if relevant).
- Affidavit of Support: Prepare Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate your financial ability to support your parents.
Step 2: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- Complete Form I-130: Fill out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on the USCIS website or obtain a physical copy from the USCIS office.
- Pay the Filing Fee: Include the required filing fee with your Form I-130. The fee amount can be found on the USCIS website.
- Submit the Petition: Mail the completed Form I-130 and supporting documents, along with the filing fee, to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility based on your location.
Step 3: Receive Form I-797 Notice of Action
- Wait for USCIS Processing: USCIS will review your petition and supporting documents. The processing time may vary, and you can check the USCIS website for current processing times.
- Receive Form I-797: If your petition is approved, you will receive Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating the approval.
Step 4: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
- Wait for NVC Processing: After the approval, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Pay Fees and Submit Documents: The NVC will provide instructions on how to pay the visa application fee and submit required documents, such as the Affidavit of Support and civil documents for your parents.
- Complete the DS-260: Your parents will need to complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- Attend Medical Examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician in their home country.
Step 5: Attend Visa Interview
- Receive Interview Appointment: The NVC will schedule an immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your parents’ home country.
- Attend the Interview: Your parents must attend the visa interview. They should bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about their application and eligibility for the IR-5 visa.
Step 6: Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.
- Wait for Visa Approval: If the visa is approved, your parents will receive their immigrant visa, allowing them to travel to the United States.
- Enter the U.S.: After receiving the visa, your parents can travel to the United States. Upon entry, they will become U.S. lawful permanent residents erratichour.
- Receive Green Card: Your parents will receive their Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) within a few weeks of arriving in the U.S. This card serves as proof of their lawful permanent resident status.
Please note that the IR-5 visa process can be complex, and the steps may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. It is recommended to review the official USCIS and U.S. Department of State websites or seek guidance from an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the IR-5 visa application process.
What is the Cost of an IR-5 Visa?
The cost of an IR-5 visa can vary based on several factors, including government fees and processing expenses. Here are some of the typical costs associated with an IR-5 visa application:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The filing fee for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner on behalf of their parent(s), was $535. However, please note that USCIS may adjust filing fees periodically, so it’s essential to check the current fee on the USCIS website.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Fee: After the Form I-130 petition is approved, the case will be forwarded to the NVC. The NVC will require payment of processing fees, including the visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support (AOS) fee. As of September 2021, the visa application fee for the IR-5 visa was $325, and the AOS fee was $120.
- Medical Examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician in their home country. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the country and the specific medical facility.
- Travel Expenses: Your parents will need to travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country for the visa interview. Travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will depend on their location and other factors.
It’s important to note that these costs are subject to change, and the U.S. government may adjust fees periodically. Additionally, there might be other incidental expenses during the visa application process. To get the most current and accurate information on the fees associated with the IR-5 visa application, it is recommended to refer to the official U.S. Department of State’s website or consult with an immigration attorney. The U.S. government websites are reliable sources for up-to-date information on visa fees and application procedures.
IR-5 Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an IR-5 visa application could vary based on several factors, including the caseload at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC), as well as the time it takes to schedule and attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Here are the typical processing steps and estimated time frames for an IR-5 visa:
- Form I-130 Processing: The processing time for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner to sponsor their parent(s), can vary depending on the USCIS workload and other factors. As of my last update, the USCIS processing time for Form I-130 was around 7.5 to 9.5 months.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After the Form I-130 petition is approved, the case is forwarded to the NVC for further processing. The NVC will review the case, request required documents, and schedule the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. NVC processing times could take a few months.
- Visa Interview Scheduling: The time it takes to schedule the visa interview can vary based on the demand at the specific U.S. embassy or consulate and the availability of interview slots. In some cases, there might be a waiting period before the interview can be scheduled.
- Visa Interview and Administrative Processing: After the visa interview, there may be additional administrative processing if needed. This could lead to further delays, depending on the individual circumstances.
It’s essential to keep in mind that processing times can change over time, and the above estimates are based on historical data as of September 2021. For the most current and accurate processing times for the IR-5 visa, it is recommended to check the USCIS and U.S. Department of State websites or contact the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will take place.
Visa processing times can vary for each case, and some applications may experience longer or shorter processing times than the general estimates provided. It’s also advisable to prepare and submit all required documents accurately and promptly to avoid any unnecessary delays in the process.
