- Permanent residency
IR-5 Parent Visa Lawyers
Start Your Permanent Life Together in the USA
The IR-5 Parent Visa opens the door for parents of US citizens to build a permanent life in America alongside their children and grandchildren. This immediate relative visa category offers a direct path to permanent residence, with no annual caps or waiting lists that typically delay other family-based visas.
For US citizens aged 21 and older, sponsoring parents through the IR-5 visa means turning occasional visits into lasting family memories. At Altius Immigration Law in Washington D.C., we help you bring your parents home.
What is the IR-5 Parent Visa?
The IR-5 visa is an immigrant visa category specifically designed for parents of US citizens who are 21 years of age or older. This visa allows these parents to immigrate to the United States as immediate relatives, paving the way for them to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Key features of the IR-5 aim to include:
- No annual numerical limit on visas issued
- Faster processing times compared to other family-based visas
- Direct path to a green card upon arrival in the US
Why Choose Altius Immigration Law for Your IR-5 Visa?
At Altius, we bring a unique combination of legal experience and personal understanding to your case:
- Experienced Attorneys: Our team has successfully handled numerous IR-5 visa cases, navigating complex immigration laws with ease.
- Personal Touch: We understand the emotional significance of reuniting with your parents. Our approach is not just professional, but also compassionate.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to your parents’ arrival in the U.S., we’re with you every step of the way.
- Multilingual Services: We offer services in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication throughout the process.
- Strategic Approach: We develop tailored strategies for each case, addressing potential challenges proactively.


IR-5 Visa Requirements
To sponsor your parents for an IR-5 visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older.
- Proof of Relationship: You need to provide evidence of your relationship with your parent(s).
- Financial Capability: You must demonstrate the ability to financially support your parents in the U.S.
Your parents must also meet certain requirements:
- Health Requirements: Pass a medical examination.
- Character Requirements: Clear criminal background checks.
- Admissibility: Meet general U.S. immigration admissibility criteria.
Don’t worry if these requirements seem overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys at Altius Immigration Law will guide you through each step, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and meet all criteria.
The IR-5 Visa Process: Your Path to Family Reunification
Bringing your parents to the US involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process:
- File the Petition: Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS.
- Wait for Approval: USCIS processes your petition.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once approved, your case moves to the NVC for further processing.
- Visa Application: Your parents complete the DS-260 immigrant visa application.
- Document Submission: Gather and submit required civil documents to the NVC.
- Interview Preparation: We help prepare your parents for their visa interview.
- Visa Interview: Your parents attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, your parents receive their IR-5 visas.
- Travel to the US: Your parents enter the US and become lawful permanent residents.
At Altius Immigration Law, we’re committed to making this process as smooth as possible. We’ll be there to assist you at each stage, from preparing the initial petition to ensuring your parents are ready for their visa interview.


Common Challenges in IR-5 Visa Cases
While the IR-5 visa process is generally straightforward, some families may face challenges:
- Document Verification: Proving the parent-child relationship can be complex, especially in cases of adoption or if original documents are unavailable.
- Financial Requirements: Meeting the financial sponsorship requirements can be difficult for some families.
- Medical Issues: Pre-existing medical conditions may complicate the process.
- Processing Delays: Unexpected delays can occur at various stages of the application.
Our experienced attorneys at Altius are well-versed in handling these challenges. We work proactively to address potential issues before they become problems, ensuring a smoother process for your family.
Benefits of the IR-5 Visa
The IR-5 visa offers numerous advantages for both you and your parents:
- Immediate Family Reunification: No long waiting periods typically associated with other family-based visas.
- Permanent Residence: Your parents receive green cards upon arrival in the US
- Path to Citizenship: After holding a green card for five years, your parents may be eligible for US citizenship.
- Access to Benefits: As lawful permanent residents, your parents may be eligible for certain government benefits.
- Work Authorization: Your parents can legally work in the US if they choose to do so.
The decision to bring your parents to the United States is significant, and the process takes time. By starting now, you’re taking the first step towards reuniting your family and providing your parents with new opportunities in the US
At Altius Immigration Law, we’re ready to help you navigate this journey. Our team of dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure your IR-5 visa application is strong, complete, and positioned for success.


Get Started with Altius Immigration Law
Don’t let immigration law keep your family apart. Take the first step towards reuniting with your parents in the United States.
Contact Altius Immigration Law today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and develop a personalized strategy for your IR-5 visa application.
Let us help you bring your family together. Your parents’ new life in the US begins with a call to Altius Immigration Law.
We’re here to help you handle the IR-5 visa process with confidence and peace of mind. Trust Altius Immigration Law to be your guide in this important journey of family reunification.
Check out the benefits of the family green card and immigrating to the USA
The Benefits of the Family-Based Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card through family sponsorship to the USA brings a number of benefits for you and your loved ones:
Family reunion
With a family sponsorship visa, you can build a life together with your family in the United States, strengthening bonds and creating unforgettable memories.
Access to opportunities
The United States offers a wide range of educational, professional, and other opportunities. With a family sponsorship green card, you can take advantage of these benefits.
In addition, the United States is known for its diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming and receptive environment for people from different backgrounds and cultures. Regardless of where you come from, there is a community for everyone, which makes it easy to adapt and feel at home.
What’s more, the country is renowned for its excellence in various sectors, such as technology, medicine, research, and entrepreneurship, which means you’ll have access to some of the best career opportunities in the world. Whatever your area of interest, the United States offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
Security and stability
The United States is known for its solid legal system and quality infrastructure. By obtaining a family sponsorship green card, you and your loved ones can enjoy security and stability in a new country.
The United States offers many educational opportunities for its citizens. With a family sponsorship green card, your children will have access to a quality education, from elementary school to higher education. Educational institutions in the United States are recognized worldwide for their academic excellence and offer a wide variety of courses and study programs.
Cultural diversity is also an attractive aspect of the United States. By moving to the country on a family sponsorship green card, you will have the opportunity to experience a unique mix of cultures, traditions and experiences. From the vibrant arts and music scene to the internationally renowned cuisine, the United States offers a plethora of possibilities to explore and appreciate different cultures.
In addition, the USA is known for its job opportunities and entrepreneurship. With a family sponsorship green card, you’ll be able to pursue new career opportunities or even start your own business. The country offers a favorable environment for professional and economic growth, enabling you and your family to achieve your goals and prosper in a new country.
- Altius Immigration Law
Simplified Family Sponsorship Green Card Process
At Altius, we are committed to facilitating the process of obtaining your Family-based Green Card. Our team will help you with
1. Initial assessment

2. Collecting documents

3. Preparing the application forms and evidences

4. Preparing for the interview
Read the details of each step below
Your Family-Based Immigration Questions, Answered
The timeline varies depending on the type of relationship, the sponsor's immigration status, and the country of origin. Immediate relative visas are generally the fastest, while family preference visas can take several years. We can give you a more specific estimate based on your situation.
The specific documents needed will depend on your case, but generally, you'll need proof of the sponsor's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, proof of the family relationship (such as birth or marriage certificates), and the sponsored relative's personal documents (such as a passport and police clearance).
Yes! The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card.
In some cases, family members who are already in the U.S. without legal status may be eligible to apply for a green card through adjustment of status. However, this is a complex situation that requires careful analysis. We can assess your relative's eligibility and discuss their options.
The cost of sponsoring a family member includes government filing fees and legal fees. The filing fees vary depending on the type of petition and application, but can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Our legal fees are competitive and transparent - we'll provide you with a clear fee structure upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
- Lawyer Green Card Family
Benefits of a family-based green card with Altius
Altius’ specialized team has experience in family immigration and is ready to guide you through every step of the process of obtaining a family sponsorship visa for the USA. We know that each case is unique, so we offer customized solutions that suit your individual needs.