IR-2/CR-2 — Child of US citizen immigration law firms
About the IR-2/CR-2 category
The IR-2/CR-2 category grants a green card to the unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen. As an immediate-relative category there is no annual cap and no visa-number waiting line, so the timeline depends mainly on petition processing and, for a child abroad, consular processing and the interview. CR-2 applies where conditional residence results from a step-parent relationship created by a recent marriage. Two issues deserve early attention: the child's age, because turning 21 or marrying changes the category and can add years, and the documentation of the parent-child relationship, including step-parent or adoption situations. Careful timing and complete evidence keep these cases moving smoothly.
Who the IR-2/CR-2 category is for
- You are the unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen.
- Step-children and adopted children qualify when the relationship meets the legal tests.
- Immediate-relative category — no annual cap and no visa-number wait.
How the process works
How a family case unfolds: the U.S.-citizen or permanent-resident relative files an I-130 petition that proves the family relationship. For immediate relatives there is no visa-number wait; for the preference categories, the family then waits for the priority date to become current in the monthly Visa Bulletin. Once a visa is available, the relative abroad completes consular processing through the National Visa Center and a U.S. embassy interview, or — if already lawfully in the United States — files for adjustment of status. An affidavit of support is required to show the household can financially sponsor the immigrant, and a medical examination and background checks complete the case.
Common IR-2/CR-2 pitfalls
A handful of avoidable problems account for most setbacks in these cases — nearly all of them easier to fix before filing than after:
- A child turning 21 or marrying — either changes the category and can add years.
- Incomplete step-parent or adoption evidence.
- Missing proof of the petitioner's citizenship or the parent-child link.
Related family options
Not sure the IR-2/CR-2 is the right fit? These related routes are worth comparing:
- All family immigration law firms
- IR-1/CR-1 — Spouse of US citizen
- IR-5 — Parent of US citizen
- F1 — Adult unmarried child
- F2A/F2B — Spouse/child of LPR
When a law firm helps most
Choosing a law firm rather than a solo attorney makes the most sense when a case is complex, time-sensitive, or likely to need several people working in parallel. A firm brings a team, dedicated paralegals, and the capacity to keep a IR-2/CR-2 cases moving even when one person is unavailable — which is especially useful for employer-sponsored filings, tight deadlines, and matters that touch more than one area of immigration law.
What to look for in a firm
When you compare the firms above, weigh:
- Relevant caseload — a firm that files matters like yours regularly, not just occasionally.
- Team and capacity — enough attorneys and paralegals to meet deadlines without bottlenecks.
- A clear point of contact — someone named who owns your file and keeps you updated.
- Languages you speak — so nothing is lost between you and your case.
- Transparent pricing — flat or clearly explained fees, agreed before the work begins.
Solo attorney or law firm?
Solo attorney or law firm? A larger firm suits employers, investors and clients with complicated histories who need broad capacity and built-in redundancy; a solo immigration attorney can offer a more personal relationship and lower fees for a straightforward IR-2/CR-2 cases. Immigrantio lists both, so you can weigh team size, focus, languages and verified reviews side by side — and if you would rather work one-to-one, our immigration lawyers cover the same category.
Why use Immigrantio
Immigrantio exists to make that comparison straightforward. Every immigration law firms listed here is a verified, Bar-licensed U.S. immigration practice — never paid placement disguised as a recommendation. You can filter by language, location and price, read genuine client reviews, and see consultation fees up front, so you choose counsel for IR-2/CR-2 cases with real information instead of guesswork. There are no referral fees and no middlemen: you deal with the lawyer directly, from the first consultation onward.
Compare the immigration law firms above and book a consultation to talk through your case, understand a realistic timeline, and learn what the process will cost — so you can move forward with a clear, informed plan.