Ghent, NY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Ghent, NY and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference green cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Ghent, NY can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Ghent, NY?
First, the Ghent, NY family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States 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 applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Often, Ghent, NY applicants have to wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Ghent, NY?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Ghent, NY family immigration attorneys can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Ghent, NY can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ghent, NY as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ghent, NY. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.