Cumberland, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Cumberland, MD and all of the United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference green cards 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 near you in Cumberland, MD can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Cumberland, MD?
First, the Cumberland, MD family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation required for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be available depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. It's common for Cumberland, MD applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Cumberland, MD?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and particular know-how. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Cumberland, MD can assist with all the required paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Cumberland, MD can assist you with understanding constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. 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 minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Cumberland, MD as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Cumberland, MD. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.