Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Henrico, NC
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Henrico, NC and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
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 Henrico, NC can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you reunite with your family and build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Henrico, NC?
To begin, the Henrico, NC family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Each eligible type of relative has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. First Preference, or F1, for example is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Henrico, NC applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Henrico, NC?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial 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 designated 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 . A family immigration attorney in Henrico, NC can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Henrico, North Carolina immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Henrico, NC as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Henrico, NC. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.