Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Rochester, MN
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to become permanent residents of Rochester, MN, and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) 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 spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference permanent resident cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Rochester, MN can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you reunite with your family and begin and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Rochester, MN?
To start, the family member in Rochester, MN who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Rochester, MN applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Rochester, MN?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Rochester, MN can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Rochester, MN can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. 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 shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rochester, MN: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rochester, MN. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.