Ames, IA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Ames, IA and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under this type 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, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Ames, IA can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Ames, IA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To start, the family member in Ames, IA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. Many Ames, IA applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Ames, IA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Ames, IA can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Ames, IA can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ames, IA
When applying for a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ames, IA. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.