In Vietnamese culture, "Filial Piety" is considered a fundamental moral value within every family. No matter how far one travels, parents remain a steadfast support system for their children. Thus, many Vietnamese expatriates aspire to sponsor their parents to the U.S. for reunion, caregiving, and honoring their filial duties. More than that, family reunification allows future generations to inherit the cultural values of Vietnam. With the spirit of "As long as parents remain, so does one’s homeland," Guidestar Education is pleased to provide information on the IR5 visa to help overseas children reunite with their parents quickly and smoothly.
There is only one category: A U.S. citizen can sponsor their parents under the IR5 visa.
U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) cannot sponsor their parents.
The IR5 visa is an immigrant visa for the parents of U.S. citizens.
The IR5 category has no annual visa cap, making the process faster than other family-based immigration categories.
The sponsoring child must meet the following conditions:
Be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old.
Meet the income requirements to financially support the parents (varies by household size and state of residence).
Must reside in the U.S. and have a valid address.
Provide proof of relationship to the parent:
Biological parents: A valid birth certificate.
Stepparents: The marriage between the stepparent and the biological parent must have occurred before the child turned 18.
Adoptive parents: Adoption must have been completed before the child turned 16, with at least two years of legal custody and cohabitation.
USCIS petition processing: Approximately 16.5 months.
NVC & U.S. Consulate processing & interview: 4 - 6 months.
Total estimated time: Around 18 - 24 months.
Step 1: Submitting the Petition to USCIS
Submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the required fees.
Receive a receipt notice from USCIS.
Await petition review, respond to requests for additional evidence (if any), and receive approval.
Step 2: Processing at the National Visa Center (NVC)
After USCIS approval, the petition is forwarded to NVC.
Pay the required fees and submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).
Receive confirmation of document completion and wait for an interview appointment.
Step 3: Interview at the U.S. Consulate
Schedule medical examination & vaccinations.
Attend the interview at the U.S. Consulate.
If successful, an immigrant visa is issued within 1 - 2 weeks.
Step 4: Entering the U.S. & Receiving the Green Card
Upon arrival in the U.S., the sponsored parent will receive a 10-year Green Card.
The Green Card will be mailed within 3 - 4 months.
For the sponsor (U.S. citizen child):
Passport-size photo (5x5 cm) (recent).
U.S. passport, naturalization certificate.
Birth certificate, name change certificate (if applicable).
Marriage certificate/divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable).
For the sponsored parent:
Passport-size photo (5x5 cm) (recent).
Birth certificate, passport, national ID (CCCD).
Criminal record certificate (Form No. 2).
Marriage certificate/divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable).
Let Guidestar Education Guide You!
We hope this article has provided you with comprehensive information about the IR5 visa process. For personalized consultation, please contact Guidestar Education for timely and accurate support. Wishing you a smooth and successful sponsorship process!
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