Buffalo, NY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Buffalo, NY and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Family green card attorneys in Buffalo, NY can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can establish and grow your lives together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Buffalo, NY?
To begin, the Buffalo, NY family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, 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. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Buffalo, NY applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Buffalo, NY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Your Buffalo, NY family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Buffalo, New York immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can reduce wait times, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Buffalo, NY
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Buffalo, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can guide your family through the immigration procedures as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.