Whittier, NC Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes specified family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Whittier, NC and the entire 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 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 unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Whittier, NC can help your family decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Whittier, NC Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To get started, the family member located in Whittier, NC who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted 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. First Preference, or F1, for example is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Whittier, NC applicants often wait for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Whittier, NC
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and legal knowledge. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially based on where 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 necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Whittier, NC can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Whittier, NC immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and comprehend intricate documentation. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Whittier, NC
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Whittier, NC. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.