Requirements for Immediate Relative Visas in Florida Immigration Law

 Posted on May 17, 2024 in Immigration

If you want to bring a close family member to the United States while living in Florida, an immediate relative (IR) visa may be a good option. These visas are for close family members of U.S. citizens and do not have yearly limits, which makes them quicker to obtain compared to other family-based visas. To make sure you understand the requirements and documents needed for an IR visa, contact an immigration lawyer.

Who Qualifies for an IR Visa?

IR visas are for close family members of U.S. citizens. The eligible categories are: 

• IR-1 – Spouses of U.S. citizens.

• IR-2 – Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.

• IR-3 – Orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens. 

• IR-4 – Orphans to be adopted in the U.S. by U.S. citizens. 

• IR-5 – Parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.

Essential Documents for an IR Visa 

When applying for an IR visa, you will need to submit several important documents. Here is a breakdown of what you need:

• Passports – Both you and your family members must have valid passports. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States. 

• Photographs – Passport-style photographs are required. Make sure to follow specific guidelines, such as the photo size and background color. Usually, the U.S. embassy or consulate provides detailed photo requirements. 

• Civil documents – Submit civil documents to prove your relationship. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and adoption papers. These documents must show that your family relationship qualifies for an IR visa.

• Medical examination form – Your family member must undergo a medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate. After the medical exam, the doctor will give your family member a medical examination form (usually in a sealed envelope) to submit with the visa application.

Step-by-Step Application Process 

• File a petition – The U.S. citizen must file Form I-30, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

• Await approval – Once USCIS approves the petition, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. 

• Gather documents – Collect all necessary documents, including passports, photographs, civil documents, and the medical examination form.

• Visa interview – The family member will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in his or her home country. Bring all the required documents to the interview.

Contact Our Orange County, FL Immediate Relative Visa Lawyer 

Applying for an Immediate Relative (IR) visa involves several steps and requires specific documents. To ensure you or your family member is ready to embark on this exciting journey, contact the Orlando, FL immediate relative visa attorneys with Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC. Call 407-955-5000 for a free consultation today.