Hampden, ME Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Hampden, ME, and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, relatives who could qualify for this type of 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 designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Hampden, ME can help you to decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Hampden, ME?
To get started, the family member located in Hampden, ME who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States must wait for visas to become accessible depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example 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. Many Hampden, ME applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Hampden, ME?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin 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. With this kind of potential wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Hampden, ME can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Hampden, ME can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hampden, ME
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hampden, ME. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.