Reading, MA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Reading, MA, and the rest of the U.S. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Reading, MA can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and build and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Reading, MA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To start, the family member in Reading, MA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who lives abroad has to stand by for visas to be available dependent on the date of submission 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 through form I-485 and others.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. Reading, MA applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Reading, MA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Reading, MA can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Reading, MA immigration lawyers can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Reading, MA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Reading, MA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.