Frederick, MD Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Frederick, MD and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Frederick, MD can help you to decide the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Frederick, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Frederick, MD family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Every eligible kind of family member has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Frederick, MD applicants often wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Frederick, MD?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can differ depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Frederick, MD can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Frederick, Maryland immigration attorney can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Frederick, MD Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Frederick, MD. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. 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 here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.