South Toms River, NJ Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to themselves become permanent residents in South Toms River, NJ and the entire United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference green 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 South Toms River, NJ can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in South Toms River, NJ?
To start, the family member in South Toms River, NJ who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must wait for visas to become accessible based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. It's common for South Toms River, NJ applicants to wait for many years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in South Toms River, NJ?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially which varies based on your nationality and your assigned preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Your South Toms River, NJ family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in South Toms River, NJ can help you understand the regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in South Toms River, NJ: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in South Toms River, NJ. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, 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 all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.