Pendleton, NC Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specific relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Pendleton, NC, and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For those who are lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference green cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Pendleton, NC can help you to decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can establish and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Pendleton, NC Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To begin, the Pendleton, NC family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation required for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Pendleton, NC applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Pendleton, NC?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your designated preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with complete accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Pendleton, NC can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Pendleton, NC immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. 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 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 Pendleton, NC: Your Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Pendleton, NC. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.