Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Somerville, AL
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Somerville, AL, and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type 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 family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference green cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Somerville, AL can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Somerville, AL?
To start, the family member in Somerville, AL who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. First Preference, or F1, for example is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. It's common for Somerville, AL applicants to wait for many years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Somerville, AL?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly based on where you're immigrating from and your designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with complete accuracy. Your Somerville, AL family immigration lawyer can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Somerville, AL can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Somerville, AL: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Somerville, AL. Our founder relocated 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 will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.