Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Leeds, AL
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Leeds, AL and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Leeds, AL can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, helping you reunite with your family and create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Leeds, AL?
To get started, the family member located in Leeds, AL who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must wait for visas to become accessible based on the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Leeds, AL applicants to wait for many years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Leeds, AL?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Your Leeds, AL family immigration lawyer can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Leeds, AL immigration lawyers can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They have a grasp of application timetables and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Leeds, AL
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Leeds, AL. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.