Portage, ME Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Portage, ME, and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Portage, ME can help your family decide the correct type of green card category, helping your family to reconnect and build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Portage, ME?
To begin, the Portage, ME family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must wait for visas to become accessible based on their application date 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 through form I-485 and others.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Often, Portage, ME applicants have to wait for years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Portage, ME?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with the utmost accuracy. Portage, ME family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Portage, ME immigration lawyers can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Portage, ME as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Portage, ME. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're eager to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.