Okeechobee, FL Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Okeechobee, FL, and all of the United States. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. under this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants 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 Okeechobee, FL can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you reunite with your family and begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Okeechobee, FL?
To begin, the Okeechobee, FL family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Okeechobee, FL applicants to wait for many years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Okeechobee, FL?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. 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 all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Okeechobee, FL can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Okeechobee, FL can also help you navigate ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Okeechobee, FL Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Okeechobee, FL. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. 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 here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.