Colonie, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Colonie, NY and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). 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.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Colonie, NY can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and establish and grow your lives together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Colonie, NY?
First, the Colonie, NY family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Colonie, NY applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Colonie, NY?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Colonie, NY family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Colonie, NY can assist you in complying with constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Colonie, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Colonie, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.