Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Ponchatoula, LA
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to themselves become permanent residents in Ponchatoula, LA and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under 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). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Ponchatoula, LA family green card lawyer can help you determine the most fitting category of green card, helping your family to reconnect and begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Ponchatoula, LA?
To get started, the family member located in Ponchatoula, LA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Ponchatoula, LA applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Ponchatoula, LA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with complete accuracy. Your Ponchatoula, LA family immigration lawyer can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Immigration lawyers in Ponchatoula, LA can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ponchatoula, LA
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ponchatoula, LA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.