Caribou, ME Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Caribou, ME and all of the United States. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants 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 Caribou, ME can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Caribou, ME?
To begin, the Caribou, ME family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection needed for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, 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. Often, Caribou, ME applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Caribou, ME?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and legal understanding. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with complete accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Caribou, ME can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Caribou, Maine immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and comprehend intricate documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can minimize delays, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Caribou, ME
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Caribou, ME. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will assist your family through the legal immigration system and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.