Marked Tree, AR Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Marked Tree, AR and all of the United States. For U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Marked Tree, AR can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to build or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Marked Tree, AR?
To get started, the family member located in Marked Tree, AR 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 verifies the familial connection required for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, all of which have annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Marked Tree, AR applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Marked Tree, AR?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your designated 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 imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Marked Tree, AR can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Marked Tree, Arkansas immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can minimize delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Marked Tree, AR: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Marked Tree, AR. 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 multicultural, multilingual attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're eager to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.