Ocean City, NJ Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Ocean City, NJ, and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference 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. Family green card attorneys in Ocean City, NJ can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Ocean City, NJ?
First, the Ocean City, NJ family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available 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 for their immigration status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. First Preference, or F1, for example 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, Ocean City, NJ applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Ocean City, NJ?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Ocean City, NJ family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Ocean City, New Jersey immigration attorney can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ocean City, NJ
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ocean City, NJ. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're eager to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.