Bethlehem, KY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Bethlehem, KY and all of the United States. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent 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. A family green card attorney near you in Bethlehem, KY can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you reunite with your family and create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Bethlehem, KY?
To get started, the family member located in Bethlehem, KY who is a US citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which each have their own annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Bethlehem, KY applicants end up waiting for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Bethlehem, KY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal knowledge. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably based on where you're immigrating from and your designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Your Bethlehem, KY family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Bethlehem, KY immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can shorten potential delays, undergo a more seamless process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Bethlehem, KY Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Bethlehem, KY. 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 multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.