Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Dubuque, IA
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in Dubuque, IA and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Dubuque, IA family green card lawyer can help you to decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Dubuque, IA?
First, the Dubuque, IA 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. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Many Dubuque, IA applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Dubuque, IA?
The United States immigration procedure is time-consuming and necessitates hard work and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can differ based on where you're immigrating from and your 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 imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Dubuque, IA can help you with the documentation and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Dubuque, IA immigration lawyers can also help you navigate constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Dubuque, IA Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Dubuque, IA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.