Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Grand Forks, ND
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Grand Forks, ND, and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of 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 for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Grand Forks, ND family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Grand Forks, ND?
To start, the family member in Grand Forks, ND who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation necessary for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, 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. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Grand Forks, ND applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Grand Forks, ND
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Grand Forks, ND can assist with all the required paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Your Grand Forks, North Dakota immigration attorney can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Grand Forks, ND: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Grand Forks, ND. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* 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.