Elmont, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Elmont, NY, and the entire United States. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, 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 have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Elmont, NY family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Elmont, NY Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Elmont, NY who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who lives abroad has to stand by for visas to be available dependent on the date of submission and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. 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. Often, Elmont, NY applicants have to wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Elmont, NY?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably which varies based on your nationality and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Your Elmont, NY family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Elmont, NY can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules 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 can reduce wait times, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Elmont, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Elmont, NY. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.