Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Augusta, ME
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Augusta, ME and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children 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 spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Augusta, ME can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and build or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Augusta, ME Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To start, the family member in Augusta, ME who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection necessary for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must wait for visas to become accessible dependent on the date of submission 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 by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. First Preference, or F1, for example is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Augusta, ME applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Augusta, ME?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can differ which varies based on your nationality and your designated preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Augusta, ME family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Augusta, ME can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, 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 Augusta, ME
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Augusta, ME. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.