Arkport, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Arkport, NY and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. under this type of green card include 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 spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference permanent resident cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Arkport, NY can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Arkport, NY Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To begin, the Arkport, NY family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation required for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Arkport, NY applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Arkport, NY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal knowledge. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially based on where you're immigrating from and your assigned preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Arkport, NY can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Arkport, NY immigration lawyers can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Arkport, NY Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Arkport, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.