Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Hauppauge, NY
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Hauppauge, NY and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. under this type of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Hauppauge, NY can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Hauppauge, NY?
To get started, the family member located in Hauppauge, NY who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship required for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must wait for visas to become accessible based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. It's common for Hauppauge, NY applicants to wait for many years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Hauppauge, NY?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your designated preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Hauppauge, NY can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Hauppauge, 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 your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hauppauge, NY as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hauppauge, NY. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will assist your family through the legal immigration system and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here 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.