East Farmingdale, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specific relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of East Farmingdale, NY, and all of the United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in East Farmingdale, NY can help your family decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do East Farmingdale, NY Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in East Farmingdale, NY who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable dependent on the date of submission and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible 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. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. East Farmingdale, NY applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in East Farmingdale, 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 based on where you're immigrating from and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With this kind of potential wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in East Farmingdale, NY can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in East Farmingdale, NY can also help you navigate regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. 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, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in East Farmingdale, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in East Farmingdale, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.