La Plata, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in La Plata, MD and the rest of the U.S. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. under this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your La Plata, MD family green card lawyer can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and establish and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do La Plata, MD Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the La Plata, MD family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship required for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. 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. La Plata, MD applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in La Plata, MD
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably 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. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. La Plata, MD family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
La Plata, MD immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with ever-changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in La Plata, MD
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in La Plata, MD. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.