Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Lockport, NY
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Lockport, NY and the rest of the U.S. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference permanent resident cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Lockport, NY can help you determine the correct type of green card category, helping your family to reconnect and build and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Lockport, NY?
To get started, the family member located in Lockport, NY who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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. It's common for Lockport, NY applicants to wait for many years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Lockport, NY
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and legal knowledge. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can differ based on where you're immigrating from and your designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Lockport, NY can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Lockport, NY can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lockport, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lockport, NY. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.