Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Hallowell, ME
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Hallowell, ME and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Hallowell, ME can help your family decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Hallowell, ME?
To start, the family member in Hallowell, ME who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Hallowell, ME applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Hallowell, ME?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. 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, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Hallowell, ME can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Your Hallowell, Maine immigration attorney can assist you in complying with constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare 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 boost your likelihood of success.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Hallowell, ME Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hallowell, ME. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.