IR5 VISA FOR PARENTS OF US CITIZENS
The IR5 Visa allows a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old to petition his/her parent to enter and remain in the U.S. permanently. The process begins with filing a Family Petition with USCIS and then it could continue with the Consular Processing or the Adjustment of Status, requiring diligent communication and monitoring across different government entities to ensure the efficient timeliness and increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable decision on the case.
At Tsang & Associates, we have a long history of helping thousands of clients successfully file for an IR5 Visa and will help our clients complete that process from beginning to end.
LEGAL FEE
Our fee structure is unique to us as we strive to tailor our services for each client individually. We adapt price standards that are capable of fluctuating for each client depending on their unique needs. Clients may retain us for one or all of the above steps/services.
Our typical fee for a standard IR5 visa case is $3,500, not including government fees and third-party expenses. We are happy to customize a proposal for your case during the consultation. Please see below for more information.
CASE PROCESSING OVERVIEW
Step 1: Strategy Session for the IR5 Visa
This is the most crucial step for your entire IR5 Visa. We will review all of the supporting documents to create a strategy, a customized checklist, and a timeline to serve as the guiding foundation for the entire case preparation. The steps may vary depending on your situation:
A.) We will submit the petition and then continue with the Consular Processing; or
B.) We will submit the petition and apply for Adjustment of Status with USCIS.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit the I-130 Application to USCIS
Our team will complete all forms, package supporting documents, and assemble all documents and information into the proper application format to enhance your chances of getting approved.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment *This step only applies to Adjustment of Status Cases
You will need to attend a biometrics appointment most commonly known as the fingerprinting appointment. USCIS will conduct a mandatory criminal background check and verify your identity. The process itself does not take long and our office will assist you during this process.
Step 4A: Await Approval and Submit Required Documentation to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Once the I-130 Petition is approved by USCIS, the case will subsequently be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. Our team will guide you throughout this process and ensure that the NVC has all the documentation needed to continue to process your case in a timely manner.
Step 4B: Await Approval by USCIS *This step only applies to Adjustment of Status Cases
Once USCIS has cleared your background check, you will receive an approval for your Employment Authorization Card (I-765) and your Social Security Card will follow. If eligible, you will also receive the approval for your Travel Document (I-131) which allows to travel while your Adjustment of Status Application is in process.
Step 5: Prepare the client for Interview with the US Embassy/Consulate or with USCIS
We will help guide the client in his/her preparation for the interview with the US Embassy/ Consulate or with USCIS by simulating the interview and ensuring the client is well-versed in the application material. Our services include a comprehensive strategy for answering inquiries posed, practice questions, thorough feedback, and other tools to help clients succeed during the interview. If your interview is at the US Embassy, you will attend it by yourself per Embassy rules. If your interview is with USCIS you can attend the interview by yourself or inquire about our attorney appearance service at an additional cost.
Step 6: Respond to additional Consulate or USCIS Requests/ Administrative Processing /Status Checks/ Fraud Alerts
After the interview, we will review with you the possible responses from the US Embassy or USCIS. From additional document requests to continuance notices and fraud alerts.
Step 7: Approval is Only The Beginning
A.) Once you obtain an IR5 Visa, you will be allowed to travel to the U.S. and after paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card.
B.) After USCIS approves your Adjustment of Status you will become a Permanent Resident and will be issued a Green Card.
Our Team will help prepare a plan for future goals, such as petitioning family members or becoming a U.S. Citizen.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Checklist of Required Evidence
In general, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport for more than 6 months after your planned entry into the U.S
- A signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from the U.S petitioner (applicant’s child)
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Medical examination and vaccination documents
- Valid birth certificate proving the relationship of the U.S citizen and the applicant
- Two photographs per individual according to the US Visa Photograph Requirements
- Court and criminal records and/or police certificate
Filing Fee
The updated filing fee for Form I-130 IR5 visa can be found using here. The filing fee for this petition cannot be waived.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Eligibility for IR5 Visa
Criteria for the IR5 visa:
- Both must be at least 21 years old
- Citizen must have financial stability to support their parent before they start working
- Citizen must live in U.S. and have a valid U.S. address
- Parent must be from a foreign country
- The citizen and their parent must prove their relationship through valid birth certificate
SAMPLE & TEMPLATES
Attorney Brief: [coming soon] We will provide an attorney brief sample for the I-130 petition.
Cover Letter: [coming soon] We will also provide a cover letter sample for the I-130 petition.
Sample Request for Evidence: [coming soon] Requests for evidence can be used to strengthen the case.
Forms: Here is a list of the forms that are needed by USCIS
Sample Checklist: [coming soon] We look at the client’s unique situation and create customized checklists to strengthen their cases.
USCIS Fee Calculator: This is to help calculate how much the filing fee will be.
USCIS Mailing Address: This address is where it is mailed to USCIS.
USCIS Processing Timetable: This will help you figure out how long it will take to process.
ASC Field Offices: Listed are the addresses of the field offices for the bio-metrics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Long is the IR5 Visa Processing Time?
It can take from 6 months to 1 year depending on how long Form I-130 and other documents take to process.
Can I sponsor a step-parent?
Can I sponsor my father if my parents were not married when I was born?
Can I sponsor an adoptive parent?
SCHEDULE A SESSION
Call or email us to set up your 1-hour consultation. Easily pay the $250 consultation fee over the phone or through our email link. If you would like to have a quick chat with our team before setting up the consultation, feel free to use the calendar on the right to book your 10 minute call.