Saint Petersburg, FL Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Saint Petersburg, FL and all of the United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). 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 do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Saint Petersburg, FL can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Saint Petersburg, FL?
To start, the family member in Saint Petersburg, FL who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection required for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member falls into a category of preference, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Saint Petersburg, FL applicants often wait for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Saint Petersburg, FL?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With this kind of potential wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. Saint Petersburg, FL family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Saint Petersburg, FL can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Saint Petersburg, FL: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Saint Petersburg, FL. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're eager to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.