Des Moines, IA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Des Moines, IA and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants 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 Des Moines, IA can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Des Moines, IA?
To get started, the family member located in Des Moines, IA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies 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 the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. First Preference, or F1, for example is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. It's common for Des Moines, IA applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Des Moines, IA?
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. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with the utmost accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Des Moines, IA can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Des Moines, IA can help you understand the ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Des Moines, IA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Des Moines, IA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.