Rockford, IL Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Rockford, IL, and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference green cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Rockford, IL can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and establish or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Rockford, IL?
To begin, the Rockford, IL family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection necessary for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date 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.
Every eligible kind of family member is assigned a preference category, 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. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Rockford, IL applicants often wait for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Rockford, IL
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably which varies based on your nationality and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Your Rockford, IL family immigration lawyer can assist with all the required paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Rockford, IL can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rockford, IL: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rockford, IL. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.