Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Newport, ME
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Newport, ME and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Newport, ME can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, helping your family to reconnect and create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Newport, ME?
To get started, the family member located in Newport, ME who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Newport, ME applicants often wait for years or even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Newport, ME?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With this kind of potential wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Newport, ME can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Newport, ME can help you understand the regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Newport, ME: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Newport, ME. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.