Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Rochester, NY
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Rochester, NY and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Rochester, NY can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to establish or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Rochester, NY?
First, the Rochester, NY family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Rochester, NY applicants to wait for many years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Rochester, NY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With this kind of potential wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Rochester, NY can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Rochester, NY can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rochester, NY as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Rochester, 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 multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here 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.