New Bedford, MA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in New Bedford, MA and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) 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 unmarried children and spouses.
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. Your New Bedford, MA family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can build and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in New Bedford, MA?
To begin, the New Bedford, MA family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be 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 apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. First Preference, or F1, for example is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many New Bedford, MA applicants end up waiting for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in New Bedford, MA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and your designated preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. 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 . Your New Bedford, MA family immigration lawyer can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
New Bedford, MA immigration lawyers can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly 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, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in New Bedford, MA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in New Bedford, MA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.