Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Ottumwa, IA
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Ottumwa, IA and all of the United States. With U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Your Ottumwa, IA family green card lawyer can help your family decide the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and grow your lives together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Ottumwa, IA?
To get started, the family member located in Ottumwa, IA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection necessary for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Ottumwa, IA applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Ottumwa, IA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With this kind of potential wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Ottumwa, IA family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Ottumwa, IA immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with laws and regulations that change constantly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ottumwa, IA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ottumwa, IA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.