Brockport, NY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Brockport, NY and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Brockport, NY can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Brockport, NY Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Brockport, NY who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must wait for visas to become accessible based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Brockport, NY applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Brockport, NY?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and legal understanding. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can differ which varies based on your nationality 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 imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Brockport, NY can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Brockport, NY can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex 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 improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Brockport, NY
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Brockport, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're eager to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.