Albany, GA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Albany, GA, and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Albany, GA can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Albany, GA?
First, the Albany, GA family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must wait for visas to become accessible dependent on the date of submission and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Albany, GA applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Albany, GA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and in-depth expertise. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can differ which varies based on your nationality and your designated preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with the utmost accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Albany, GA can help you with the documentation and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Albany, Georgia immigration attorney can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Albany, GA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Albany, GA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.