Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Damariscotta, ME
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specific relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Damariscotta, ME, and all of the United States. 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 (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Damariscotta, ME family green card lawyer can help you determine the most fitting category of green card, helping you reunite with your family and establish or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Damariscotta, ME?
To start, the family member in Damariscotta, ME who is a US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, which each have their own annual limits. 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. Damariscotta, ME applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Damariscotta, ME?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Damariscotta, ME family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Damariscotta, ME can assist you with understanding constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Damariscotta, ME: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Damariscotta, ME. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will assist your family through the legal immigration system and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.