IR-2 / CR-2

IR-2 / CR-2 Immigrant Visa for Child of a U.S. Citizen for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The IR-2 / CR-2 visa is an immigrant visa that allows the child of a U.S. citizen to permanently live in the United States. This visa leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon entry to the U.S.
The IR-2 / CR-2 category remains fully available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens.

The difference between IR-2 and CR-2 depends only on the age of the child and the length of the parent’s marriage, not on eligibility quality.

Difference between IR-2 and CR-2

IR-2 (Immediate Relative):

• Child is under 21 years old and unmarried

• Parent’s marriage is more than 2 years old (if applicable)

• Green Card validity: 10 years

• No conditions attached

CR-2 (Conditional Resident):

• Child is under 21 years old and unmarried

• Parent’s marriage is less than 2 years old

• Green Card validity: 2 years

• Conditions must be removed later

Both categories provide identical rights at entry.

What the IR-2 / CR-2 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work permits (subject to age limits)

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to U.S. services and benefits

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

Permanent residence begins immediately upon entry.

What the IR-2 / CR-2 visa does NOT allow

• Immigration without a qualifying parent-child relationship

• Sponsorship without legal proof of relationship

• Avoidance of immigration compliance

• Ignoring removal of conditions for CR-2 holders

Fraud or misrepresentation leads to severe immigration consequences.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the biological, adopted, or stepchild of a U.S. citizen

• The child is unmarried and under 21 years old

• The parent-child relationship is legally valid

• The U.S. citizen parent agrees to sponsor the child

The child’s country of birth 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 records

• Child’s age and marital status

• Immigration history of both parent and child

• Absence of fraud indicators

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

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen parent must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements

• Accept financial responsibility for the child

A joint sponsor may be used if necessary.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry grants permanent resident status

• CR-2 holders must remove conditions after 2 years

• Green Card allows unlimited residence and study

• Long absences may affect residency status

Permanent residence includes legal obligations.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Missing or invalid relationship documents

• Child no longer meeting age or marital requirements

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Suspected fraud

Correct timing is critical for approval.

How to apply

The process includes:

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

• 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.

Important note for 2026

• IR-2 / CR-2 visas are fully available in 2026

• No annual quotas apply

• Immediate relatives are prioritized under U.S. law