Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Sanford, ME
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Sanford, ME and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the family members who may qualify for this 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 meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Sanford, ME can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Sanford, ME?
First, the Sanford, ME family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection required for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is out of the country are required to wait for visas to become available dependent on the date of submission and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. It's common for Sanford, ME applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Sanford, ME?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can differ depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Sanford, ME can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Sanford, ME can also help you navigate constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Sanford, ME
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Sanford, ME. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can guide your family through the immigration procedures and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.