Little Orleans, MD Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Little Orleans, MD and the entire United States. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Little Orleans, MD can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and build or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Little Orleans, MD?
First, the Little Orleans, MD family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation necessary for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Little Orleans, MD applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Little Orleans, MD
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and which preference category you belong to. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Little Orleans, MD family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Little Orleans, MD immigration lawyers can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Little Orleans, MD: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Little Orleans, MD. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.