Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Independence, MO
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Independence, MO and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Independence, MO can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Independence, MO?
First, the Independence, MO family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available dependent on the date of submission and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Independence, MO applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Independence, MO
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and hard work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Independence, MO can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Independence, MO immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Independence, MO
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Independence, MO. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system 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 today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.