IR Visas allow U.S. citizens to sponsor certain close family members for permanent residency without annual numerical limits. This category remains the fastest and most straightforward path to a green card for eligible relatives.
The Immediate Relative category includes
- IR-1 Married spouse of a U.S. citizen
- IR-2 Unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen
- IR-3 Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen
- IR-4 Orphan to be adopted in the U.S.
- IR-5 Parent of a U.S. citizen (the sponsoring child must be at least 21)
Unlike family preference categories, IR visas are not subject to annual caps, which means there is no waiting line for visa availability even though the process can usually take around a year.