Demopolis, AL Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Demopolis, AL and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Demopolis, AL family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, helping you unite with your family to create and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Demopolis, AL?
To begin, the Demopolis, AL family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member is given preference classification, which each have their own annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Demopolis, AL applicants end up waiting for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Demopolis, AL?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and legal knowledge. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and your designated preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. Your Demopolis, AL family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Demopolis, AL can also help you navigate regulations and laws that change regularly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can minimize delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Demopolis, AL as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Demopolis, AL. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.