Linthicum, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Linthicum, MD and the rest of the U.S. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). 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 differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Linthicum, MD can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Linthicum, MD?
To get started, the family member located in Linthicum, MD who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Linthicum, MD applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Linthicum, MD?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and legal knowledge. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Linthicum, MD can assist with all the required paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Linthicum, Maryland immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help you or your family members prepare for 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 boost your likelihood of success.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Linthicum, MD as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Linthicum, MD. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members 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 here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.