Lake Charles, LA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Lake Charles, LA and the entire United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, 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. Your Lake Charles, LA family green card lawyer can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, helping you reunite with your family and build or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Lake Charles, LA?
To start, the family member in Lake Charles, LA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection required for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Lake Charles, LA applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Lake Charles, LA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and 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 vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Lake Charles, LA can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Lake Charles, LA can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lake Charles, LA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lake Charles, LA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.