Riderwood, MD Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in Riderwood, MD and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, 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, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Riderwood, MD can help you determine the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Riderwood, MD?
To start, the family member in Riderwood, MD who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States 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 petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Every eligible kind of family member has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Riderwood, MD applicants end up waiting for years or even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Riderwood, MD?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your designated preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Riderwood, MD family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Riderwood, MD can assist you with understanding constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Riderwood, 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 Riderwood, MD. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.