Arkadelphia, AR Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Arkadelphia, AR and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses 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 spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Arkadelphia, AR can help your family decide the correct type of green card category, helping you unite with your family to build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Arkadelphia, AR?
To begin, the Arkadelphia, AR family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. It's common for Arkadelphia, AR applicants to wait for many years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Arkadelphia, AR
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Arkadelphia, AR can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Immigration lawyers in Arkadelphia, AR can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Arkadelphia, AR: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Arkadelphia, AR. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys 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 all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.