Chicago IR-5 Visa Lawyers

What Is an IR-5 Immigrant Visa?

The IR5 visa category, also called a parent green card, permits parents of U.S. citizens to gain permanent residence in the U.S. This class of visa is not subject to yearly caps, so processing occurs much more quickly than other types of visas.

You must sponsor your parents’ visa application. To do this, you must be at least 21 years old. Once your parent receives the IR5 visa, they can live and work in the U.S. permanently.

Who Is Eligible for IR-5 Visas?

To apply for an IR5 visa, you and your parents must meet certain requirements.

Requirements for parents:

• Be sponsored by a biological child, step-child, or adopted child.
• Not have overstayed a prior visa.

Requirements for children:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Hold U.S. citizenship (not permanent residency).
• Currently reside in the U.S. and maintain a valid address.
• Have the financial means to support the parent.
• Prove the relationship with a valid birth certificate, adoption certificate, or parent marriage license.

If you meet all these requirements, the U.S. government will grant a green card for parents who want to immigrate.

U.S. Citizens with Foreign-Born Parents — Get Reliable Visa Assistance from SimVisa

Our capable immigration lawyers can guide you through the visa application process to reunite you with your parents. We understand the unique parent-child relationship and will work hard to bring your family together. Contact us today to learn more.

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Why Get an IR-5 Visa?

The IR-5 visa (also sometimes referred to as a “parent visa”) offers numerous benefits.

It grants the ability to live in the U.S. indefinitely, providing a foundation for a stable life. Recipients can work without needing a separate visa, which allows them to pursue diverse employment opportunities. Access to the U.S. education system, including potential eligibility for in-state tuition rates and financial aid, further enhances the value of this visa.

Additionally, IR-5 visa holders can own property, invest, and start businesses to enhance their financial well-being. The freedom to travel internationally with relative ease and eligibility for certain social benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare, make this a highly desirable option for family reunification.

The IR-5 Visa Application Process

The process of applying for a parent visa takes place over several stages. Here’s a basic overview of the key steps.

Step 1: File a Petition with USCIS

The U.S. citizen sponsor, who must be an adult of at least 21 years of age, initiates the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step is crucial, as it serves to establish the familial relationship between the U.S. citizen and their parent(s).

Step 2: Await Instructions from the National Visa Center

Once USCIS approves the petition, your case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). At this stage, the applicant (the parent of the U.S. citizen) will receive instructions regarding how to submit the necessary immigrant visa application form (Form DS-260), pay the processing fees, and compile the required supporting documents.

Step 3: Pay the Appropriate Fees

Next, the applicant must pay the specified visa application fees, which include the processing fees for Form DS-260 and the Affidavit of Support. These fees must be paid before the application process can move forward.

Step 4: Submit an Affidavit of Support

The U.S. citizen sponsor must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate that they have sufficient income or assets to support their immigrant parent(s) once they arrive in the United States.

Step 5: Gather and Submit the Required Documents

The applicant is required to submit various documents to the NVC. These typically include proof of the relationship (such as birth certificates), police certificates, medical examination results, and any other documents the NVC specifically requests.

Step 6: Attend a Visa Interview

After processing the submitted documents and applications, the NVC will schedule a visa interview for the applicant at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The applicant must attend this interview, during which a consular officer will determine their eligibility for the visa.

Step 7: Wait for the Visa to Be Issued

If approved following the interview, the applicant will receive their visa, allowing them to travel to the U.S. Upon arrival, they’ll be granted lawful permanent resident status (often referred to as getting a green card).

This is only a general breakdown of how to apply for an IR-5 visa. It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by USCIS and the NVC throughout the process, as the requirements may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances.

How SimVisa Can Help You Obtain an IR-5 Parent Visa

The veteran immigration attorneys at SimVisa simplify the IR-5 parent visa application process by offering personalized legal guidance. Our engagement process is seamless and facilitated through a secure platform, meaning you can feel confident from the first meeting to the last.

We’ll start with a complimentary 15-minute consultation, followed by an in-depth session where we’ll explore your case in detail, address your questions and concerns, and outline clear next steps. From there, our team will begin preparing your petition package in a way that accurately reflects your situation and minimizes potential delays.

Along the way, we’ll gather the necessary information and documents, finalize your application after a detailed review, and submit it to USCIS as your designated legal representative. We’ll communicate directly with immigration authorities on your behalf and keep you informed every step of the way.

For those interested in our self-filing service, the process is even simpler. Every step, from the initial eligibility assessment to the final application review and submission, is geared toward helping you reunite your parent(s) quickly and efficiently. We’re dedicated to making your family's immigration experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Speak with an IR-5 Visa Lawyer Today

Experience counties for a lot when dealing with U.S. government agencies. The Departments of Homeland Security and State use complex procedures to receive and process IR-5 visa applications, and any errors could delay your approval.

Every legal professional at SimVisa has at least 10 years of experience handling relative immigrant visas. We have the knowledge and resources to help your family get an IR-5 visa or IR-0 adjustment of status in less time. Contact us to schedule your live meeting and learn more about how we can be of assistance.

Partner with Our Trusted IR-5 Parent Visa Attorneys

SimVisa’s mission is to reunite family members nationwide. We’re ready to discuss the unique facts of your case and do everything in our power to help your parent(s) obtain an IR-5 visa. Reach out today to get started.

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