Paterson, NJ Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Paterson, NJ and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, 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). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Paterson, NJ can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Paterson, NJ Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Paterson, NJ who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who lives abroad must wait for visas to become accessible depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Paterson, NJ applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Paterson, NJ?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and legal understanding. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from 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 critical that you file as soon as you can and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Paterson, NJ can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Paterson, New Jersey immigration attorney can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Paterson, NJ
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Paterson, NJ. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. 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 here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.