Wentzville, MO Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Wentzville, MO and the rest of the U.S. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult 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 no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Wentzville, MO can help you determine the correct type of green card category, helping your family to reconnect and build and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Wentzville, MO?
To start, the family member in Wentzville, MO who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Wentzville, MO applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Wentzville, MO
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially which varies based on your nationality and your designated preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Wentzville, MO can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Your Wentzville, Missouri immigration attorney can also help you navigate ever-changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Wentzville, MO as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Wentzville, MO. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will assist your family through the legal immigration system as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.