Tonawanda, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Tonawanda, NY and the entire United States. For U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). 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 do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Tonawanda, NY can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Tonawanda, NY?
To get started, the family member located in Tonawanda, NY who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. F1, for example, which is 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 Tonawanda, NY applicants to wait for many years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Tonawanda, NY
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and your assigned preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Tonawanda, NY can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
An immigration attorney in Tonawanda, NY can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and comprehend intricate documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Tonawanda, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Tonawanda, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys 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 your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.