Smilax, KY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Smilax, KY and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For those who are lawful permanent 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 designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Smilax, KY can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Smilax, KY?
First, the Smilax, KY family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available dependent on the date of submission and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. Smilax, KY applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Smilax, KY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and legal knowledge. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can differ depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned 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 Smilax, KY can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Smilax, Kentucky immigration attorney can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smilax, KY
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smilax, KY. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system 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 future outcomes.