Columbia, MO Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Columbia, MO, and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference green cards 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 Columbia, MO can assist your family in determining the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Columbia, MO?
To start, the family member in Columbia, MO who is a US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship necessary 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 dependent on the date of submission and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. Many Columbia, MO applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Columbia, MO?
The United States immigration procedure is time-consuming and necessitates hard work and legal knowledge. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. 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 necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Columbia, MO can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Columbia, MO can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can reduce wait times, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Columbia, MO: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Columbia, MO. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family 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. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.