Mena, 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 gain permanent residency in Mena, AR and the entire United States. For those who are 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 spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Mena, AR can assist your family in determining the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Mena, AR?
To get started, the family member located in Mena, AR who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, which each have their own annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Mena, 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 Mena, AR?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with the utmost accuracy. Mena, AR family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Mena, AR immigration lawyers can also help you navigate regulations and laws that change regularly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Mena, AR Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Mena, AR. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.