Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Rumford, ME
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Rumford, ME and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, eligible family members for this type of 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 for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Rumford, ME can assist your family in determining the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Rumford, ME?
To start, the family member in Rumford, ME who is either a United States 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. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable 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 apply for their status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Rumford, ME applicants have to wait for years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Rumford, ME?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Your Rumford, ME family immigration lawyer can help you with the documentation and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Rumford, ME can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rumford, ME: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rumford, ME. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.