Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Topsham, ME
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Topsham, ME, and the rest of the U.S. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Topsham, ME can help you determine the correct type of green card category, helping you reunite with your family and create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Topsham, ME?
To begin, the Topsham, ME family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable dependent on the date of submission and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Topsham, ME applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Topsham, ME
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal understanding. 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 designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Topsham, ME family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Topsham, ME can assist you in complying with constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They understand the application timelines and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Topsham, ME
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Topsham, ME. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who 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 your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.