Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Fulton, MD
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Fulton, MD and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Fulton, MD can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and create and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Fulton, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Fulton, MD family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation necessary for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, which each have their own annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Fulton, MD applicants have to wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Fulton, MD?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With this kind of potential wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Fulton, MD can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Fulton, Maryland immigration attorney can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Fulton, MD: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Fulton, MD. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.