Hereford, MD Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Hereford, MD and the entire United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Hereford, MD can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Hereford, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Hereford, MD family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States has to stand by for visas to be available depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Hereford, MD applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Hereford, MD?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and particular know-how. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can differ based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With that kind of waiting period, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Hereford, MD can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Hereford, MD immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare 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.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hereford, MD: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hereford, MD. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multicultural, multilingual team can guide your family through the immigration procedures and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.