Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Staten Island, NY
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to become permanent residents of Staten Island, NY, and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference green cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Staten Island, NY can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and establish or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Staten Island, NY?
To start, the family member in Staten Island, NY who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member is assigned a preference category, which each have their own 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. Staten Island, NY applicants often wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Staten Island, NY?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your designated preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With this kind of potential wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Your Staten Island, NY family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Staten Island, NY can help you understand the ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They know the application’s schedules and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Staten Island, NY
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Staten Island, NY. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.