IR-5

IR-5 Immigrant Visa for Parent of a U.S. Citizen for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The IR-5 visa is an immigrant visa that allows the parent of a U.S. citizen to permanently live and work in the United States. This visa leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon entry to the U.S.
The IR-5 category remains fully available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens.

IR-5 is part of the Immediate Relative category and is not subject to annual quotas.

Who qualifies for the IR-5 visa

A parent may qualify for an IR-5 visa if:

• The petitioner is a U.S. citizen

• The U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old

• A valid parent-child relationship exists

• The relationship is biological, adoptive, or step-parent (with legal requirements met)

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents. Permanent residents cannot.

What the IR-5 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without any additional work permits

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to a Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

Permanent resident status begins immediately upon entry.

What the IR-5 visa does NOT allow

• Immigration without a qualifying parent-child relationship

• Sponsorship by a permanent resident

• Avoidance of immigration compliance

• Misrepresentation of family relationships

Fraud or false claims lead to severe immigration penalties.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of a U.S. citizen

• The sponsoring child is 21 years or older

• The parent-child relationship is legally documented

• The U.S. citizen agrees to act as financial sponsor

The parent’s marital status does not affect eligibility.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Legal validity of the parent-child relationship

• Authenticity of birth, adoption, or marriage documents

• Prior immigration history of both parent and child

• Consistency of personal and documentary evidence

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-based, not document-count based.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen sponsor must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements under U.S. law

• Accept long-term financial responsibility for the parent

A joint sponsor may be used if necessary.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry to the U.S. grants permanent resident status

• Green Card allows unlimited residence and employment

• Long absences from the U.S. may affect resident status

• Permanent residence carries legal obligations

IR-5 status does not expire unless residency is abandoned.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient proof of parent-child relationship

• Inconsistent documentation or testimony

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Suspected misrepresentation or fraud

Accurate documentation is critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the U.S. citizen child

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies by case and workload.

Important note for 2026

• IR-5 visas are fully available in 2026

• No annual quotas apply

• Parents of U.S. citizens are prioritized under U.S. law

Unsure if your parent qualifies?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess relationship documentation, sponsor eligibility, and timing risks.
A professional evaluation helps prevent refusals and delays.