What Is an IR5 Parent Visa?

The IR5 visa is an immigrant visa category for parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. IR5 stands for "Immediate Relative 5" and allows U.S. citizens to petition for their biological or adoptive parents to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.

This visa category has no annual numerical limitations, meaning there are no waiting periods or quotas. Once approved, your parents will receive their green cards and can live permanently in the United States.

Who Can Petition for Parents?

Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for their parents. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for their parents under this category.

Processing Time

Current processing times for IR5 parent visas range from 12-18 months from the initial filing to visa issuance, depending on the country of origin and case complexity.

Eligibility Requirements

To successfully petition for your parents, you must meet these requirements:

For the U.S. Citizen Petitioner:

Must be a U.S. citizen (not just a permanent resident)

Must be at least 21 years old

Must meet income requirements (usually 125% of federal poverty guidelines)

Must be able to provide financial support (Affidavit of Support)

For the Parent(s):

Must be the biological or legally adoptive parent of the petitioner

Must pass medical examination

Must have no disqualifying criminal history

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Why Choose Us for Your Parent Visa?

Extensive experience with IR5 parent petitions

Expert preparation of your Parent Petition Package

Affidavit of Support preparation and guidance

Document review and organization guidance

National Visa Center (NVC) processing support

Embassy interview preparation

Medical examination guidance

Case tracking from start to finish

Money-back guarantee if denied

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I petition for both parents at the same time?

Yes, you can file separate Form petitions for each parent simultaneously. Each parent needs their own petition, but the process can be done concurrently.

What if my parents are divorced?

You can still petition for both parents separately, even if they are divorced. Each parent qualifies independently based on their relationship to you.

Can my parents work in the U.S. with an IR5 visa?

Yes, IR5 visa holders receive permanent resident status (green cards) and can work legally in the United States without needing a separate work authorization.

What happens if my parent has a criminal record?

Criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify someone, but it requires careful evaluation. Some offenses may require waivers or could prevent approval. We evaluate each case individually.

Do my parents need to speak English?

No, there is no English language requirement for IR5 parent visas. However, having basic English can help with daily life in the United States.

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Our IR5 Parent Visa Package

Complete Parent Visa Package Preparation

Affidavit of Support review and preparation

Document checklist and organization

NVC processing support and guidance