Opelousas, LA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Opelousas, LA and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards 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 in Opelousas, LA can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, 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 Opelousas, LA?
To begin, the Opelousas, LA family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, called 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 has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. 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. It's common for Opelousas, LA applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Opelousas, LA?
The United States immigration procedure is time-consuming and necessitates substantial work and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly 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. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Opelousas, LA family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Opelousas, LA can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for 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.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Opelousas, LA
When applying for a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Opelousas, LA. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys will assist your family through the legal immigration system and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager 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.