Woburn, MA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to become permanent residents of Woburn, MA, and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members 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 designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Woburn, MA can help your family decide the most fitting category of green card, helping you unite with your family to begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Woburn, MA?
To get started, the family member located in Woburn, MA who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, 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. Often, Woburn, MA applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Woburn, MA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal knowledge. 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 your assigned preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Woburn, MA can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Woburn, MA can also help you navigate constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Woburn, MA Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Woburn, MA. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.