Ellicott City, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Ellicott City, MD and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Your Ellicott City, MD family green card lawyer can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, helping your family to reconnect and establish or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Ellicott City, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To begin, the Ellicott City, MD family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Ellicott City, MD applicants end up waiting for 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 Ellicott City, MD
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned 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 the utmost accuracy. Ellicott City, MD family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Ellicott City, Maryland immigration attorney can assist you in complying with constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Ellicott City, MD 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 Ellicott City, MD. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.