IR5 Visa: U.S. Green Card for Parents of U.S. Citizens
The IR5 visa is an Immediate Relative visa that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents for lawful permanent residency (green card) in the United States. This visa is part of the family-based immigration category and has no annual cap, making processing times generally faster than preference-based visas.
Who is Eligible for an IR5 Visa?
To qualify for an IR5 visa, the following conditions must be met:
Petitioner (Sponsor)
- Must be a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder).
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must have the financial ability to support the parent (meeting the Affidavit of Support requirements).
Beneficiary (Parent)
- Must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the U.S. citizen.
- Must provide proof of relationship with the sponsoring child.
- Must be living outside the U.S. at the time of application.
IR5 Visa Process: Step-by-Step
IR5 Visa Processing Time
- USCIS I-130 petition approval: 6 to 12 months
- NVC processing & interview scheduling: 2 to 4 months
- Total processing time: 10 to 18 months (may vary by country)
IR5 Visa Cost
- Form I-130 filing fee: $535
- DS-260 application fee: $325
- Medical exam & vaccinations: $200-$500 (varies by country)
- Affidavit of Support fee: $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee (green card production): $220
IR5 Visa Benefits
K-1 visa holders can apply for work authorization through Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
- Permanent Residency (Green Card) - The parent gets a 10-year green card.
- No Annual Cap - No waiting for visa availability.
- Path to U.S. Citizenship - Eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years.
- Work & Travel Freely - Parents can work and live anywhere in the U.S.
- Access to Social Benefits - Eligible for Medicare and Social Security benefits after the qualifying period.
IR5 Visa Common Issues & Denials
- Insufficient financial support:
Ensure the sponsor meets the income requirement.
- Missing relationship proof:
Provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, or DNA evidence if needed.
- Health & Security Concerns:
Criminal records or medical inadmissibility can lead to denial.
IR5 Visa Alternatives
Many B-1/B-2 visa applications get denied due to:
- B-2 Visitor Visa
If parents just want to visit temporarily.
- F2A Visa
If the sponsor is a green card holder (not a U.S. citizen).
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
If the parent is already in the U.S. on a valid visa.