Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Bingham, ME
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Bingham, ME, and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Bingham, ME can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Bingham, ME Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Bingham, ME who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation necessary for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Bingham, ME applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Bingham, ME?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with the utmost accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Bingham, ME can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Bingham, ME immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Bingham, ME Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Bingham, ME. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* 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.