Cardiff, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Cardiff, MD and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards 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 Cardiff, MD can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Cardiff, MD?
To begin, the Cardiff, MD family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable dependent on the date of submission and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. First Preference, or F1, for example is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Cardiff, MD applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Cardiff, MD?
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 your country of origin and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Cardiff, MD can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Cardiff, MD immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Cardiff, MD as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Cardiff, MD. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready 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 future outcomes.