Lonsdale, AR Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Lonsdale, AR and the entire United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this category 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, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference permanent resident cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Lonsdale, AR can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Lonsdale, AR?
To begin, the Lonsdale, AR family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation required for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must wait for visas to become accessible depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Often, Lonsdale, AR applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Lonsdale, AR?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can differ depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your designated preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Lonsdale, AR family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Lonsdale, AR can assist you in complying with laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can minimize delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lonsdale, AR as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lonsdale, AR. Our founder moved 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 eager to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.