The IR-5 visa provides a path for parents of adult U.S. citizens to live permanently in the United States. As an immediate relative visa, it is not subject to annual caps, resulting in a faster and more predictable process compared to other family-based visas. This guide outlines the key requirements, processing steps, and important considerations for a successful application.
While this guide provides a roadmap, the details can be overwhelming. Our team at Passage Law simplifies every step.
What is the IR-5 Visa?
Primarily, the IR-5 visa allows the parent of a U.S. citizen to become a lawful permanent resident. Unlike other family visas that have long wait times, the IR-5 category is considered an “immediate relative” classification. Therefore, a visa number is always available, and the application does not get caught in the visa bulletin backlog.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IR-5 visa, the U.S. citizen sponsor must be at least 21 years old and the applicant must prove a valid and verifiable parent-child relationship with the sponsor.
- For the U.S. Citizen: Provide proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate) and a U.S. address. Demonstrate the financial ability to support your parent via Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support.
- For the Parent: Provide a valid passport and civil documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificates) to prove your relationship and identity.
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Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
The IR-5 visa process is a multi-stage journey that involves both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (NVC and Consulates).
Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130)
First, the U.S. citizen filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form establishes the legal parent-child relationship. As of late 2025, the filing fee is $625 for online filing and $675 for paper filing. It’s crucial to submit all required evidence of the relationship at this stage to avoid delays.
Step 2: NVC Processing
Then, once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then contact you with a case number and invoice ID.
- Pay Fees: The applicant must pay the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee ($325) and the Affidavit of Support Fee ($120).
- Submit Documents: All required documents, including civil documents, the completed online visa application (Form DS-260), and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), must be uploaded to the NVC’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Step 3: Biometrics & Medical Examination
Next, the applicant will need to undergo a medical exam with a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy. This exam includes vaccinations and a health screening. Fingerprints and photographs (biometrics) may also be collected.
Step 4: Consular Interview
Finally, the most crucial, step is the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the parent’s home country. The consular officer will ask questions to verify the information in the application and confirm the genuine nature of the relationship.
- Common Interview Questions: “What is your U.S. citizen child‘s name?”, “How long has your child been in the U.S.?”, or “How often do you communicate?”
- Key Tip: Be honest and have all original documents ready to present to the officer.
Step 5: Visa Approval and Green Card
Ultimately, if the interview is successful, the consular officer will approve the visa. The parent’s passport will be stamped, and they will receive a sealed immigrant visa packet. Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, the parent will present this packet to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The parent will be admitted as a lawful permanent resident, and the green card will arrive by mail in the weeks that follow.
Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance. Contact Passage Immigration Law today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting with your parent in the U.S.
Disclaimer:
- This article provides general legal information only and is not legal advice.
- Do not act on this information without consulting a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
- Every case is unique, and outcomes will vary.
- We are not responsible for actions taken based on the information in this article.
- To get legal advice, please contact us directly to speak with an attorney.
