Westbrook, ME Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Westbrook, ME and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Westbrook, ME can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Westbrook, ME?
To get started, the family member located in Westbrook, ME who is a US citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must wait for visas to become accessible 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 with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Westbrook, ME applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Westbrook, ME?
The United States immigration procedure is time-consuming and necessitates consistent effort and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With this kind of potential wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Westbrook, ME can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Westbrook, ME can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, experience a smoother application, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Westbrook, ME: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Westbrook, ME. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're eager to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.