Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Watkins Glen, NY
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in Watkins Glen, 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 minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Watkins Glen, NY can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Watkins Glen, NY Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Watkins Glen, NY who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship necessary for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Watkins Glen, NY applicants have to wait for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Watkins Glen, NY?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and particular know-how. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Watkins Glen, NY can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Watkins Glen, NY can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Watkins Glen, NY: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Watkins Glen, 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 can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.