Jacksonville, MD Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Jacksonville, MD and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Your Jacksonville, MD family green card lawyer can help you determine the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Jacksonville, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Jacksonville, MD family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation required for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country are required to wait for visas to become available based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, all of which have annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Jacksonville, MD applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Jacksonville, MD
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality 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, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Jacksonville, MD can help you with the documentation and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Jacksonville, MD can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Jacksonville, MD as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Jacksonville, MD. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.