The immigrant visas you mentioned, IR-3, IH-3, IR-4, and IH-4, are specific categories related to the adoption of orphaned children from other countries by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These visas facilitate the immigration process for adopted children to enter the United States and become lawful permanent residents. Here’s an overview of each category:

IR-3 Visa (Immediate Relative – Orphan Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizen):

The IR-3 visa is for children adopted by U.S. citizens through a full and final adoption or an adoption recognized under U.S. law in a foreign country. These adoptions typically meet the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention, an international agreement designed to protect the best interests of adopted children.

Key points about the IR-3 visa category:

• – The child must have been adopted by a U.S. citizen parent in a foreign country, and the adoption must be full and final.
• – The child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entry into the United States with an IR-3 visa.
• – The child does not need to go through the process of readoption or revalidation of the foreign adoption in the United States.

1. IH-3 Visa (Immediate Relative – Orphan Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizen – Hague Convention):

The IH-3 visa is similar to the IR-3 visa, but it is specifically for children adopted by U.S. citizens through a full and final adoption in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention.

Key points about the IH-3 visa category:

• – The adoption process must comply with the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention.
• – The child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entry into the United States with an IH-3 visa.
• – The child does not need to go through the process of readoption or revalidation of the foreign adoption in the United States.

IR-4 Visa (Immediate Relative – Orphan to be Adopted in the United States by U.S. Citizen):

The IR-4 visa is for children who are in the process of being adopted by U.S. citizens but have not yet been adopted in a foreign country. These children enter the United States on an IR-4 visa to complete the adoption process in the United States.

Key points about the IR-4 visa category:

• – The child enters the United States with an IR-4 visa to reside with the adoptive parent(s) and complete the adoption process in the United States.
• – After the adoption is finalized in the United States, the child may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

IH-4 Visa (Immediate Relative – Orphan to be Adopted in the United States by U.S. Citizen – Hague Convention):

The IH-4 visa is similar to the IR-4 visa, but it is specifically for children who are in the process of being adopted by U.S. citizens in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention.

Key points about the IH-4 visa category:

• – The child enters the United States with an IH-4 visa to reside with the adoptive parent(s) and complete the adoption process in the United States.
• – After the adoption is finalized in the United States, the child may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Application Process: The application process for IR-3, IH-3, IR-4, and IH-4 visas involves various steps, including filing an immigrant petition, providing documentation related to the adoption process, undergoing medical examinations, and attending visa interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country.

It’s important to note that the adoption process for international adoptions can be complex, and prospective adoptive parents should work closely with adoption agencies, attorneys, and government authorities to ensure compliance with both U.S. and foreign adoption laws and regulations.

Additionally, specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances and the policies of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is processed. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or adoption specialist for detailed guidance on the adoption and immigration process for orphaned children.