Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Smithsburg, MD
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in Smithsburg, MD and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Smithsburg, MD can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Smithsburg, MD?
To get started, the family member located in Smithsburg, MD who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. It's common for Smithsburg, MD applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Smithsburg, MD
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with the utmost accuracy. Smithsburg, MD family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Smithsburg, MD can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Smithsburg, MD Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smithsburg, MD. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.