Lodi, NY Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Lodi, NY and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this category 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, 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 differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Lodi, NY can assist your family in determining the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Lodi, NY?
First, the Lodi, NY family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. 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. Lodi, NY applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Lodi, NY?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and legal knowledge. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from 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 accurate information. Lodi, NY family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Lodi, NY can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can shorten potential delays, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lodi, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Lodi, NY. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and many of our team members are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're eager to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.