Waterford, NY Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Waterford, NY and the rest of the U.S. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Waterford, NY can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and create and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Waterford, NY?
First, the Waterford, NY family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection required for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States must wait for visas to become accessible based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. It's common for Waterford, NY applicants to wait for many years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Waterford, NY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Waterford, NY can help you with the documentation and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Waterford, NY can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Waterford, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Waterford, NY. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're eager to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.