Springfield, 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 themselves become permanent residents in Springfield, IL and the rest of the U.S. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants 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. A family green card attorney in Springfield, IL can help you determine the correct type of green card category, helping you unite with your family to create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Springfield, IL?
To start, the family member in Springfield, IL who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country are required to wait for visas to become available based on their application date and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. F1, for example, which is 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. Many Springfield, IL applicants end up waiting for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Springfield, IL?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably which varies based on your nationality and your designated preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with the utmost accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Springfield, IL can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Springfield, Illinois immigration attorney can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, undergo a more seamless process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Springfield, IL
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Springfield, IL. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.