Andover, NY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Andover, NY and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference permanent resident cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Andover, NY can help your family decide the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Andover, NY?
To get started, the family member located in Andover, NY who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files 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 is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Andover, NY applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Andover, NY?
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 differ 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 that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with the utmost accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Andover, NY can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Andover, NY immigration lawyers can also help you navigate regulations and laws that change regularly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Andover, NY Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Andover, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.