Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Allentown, PA
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Allentown, PA and the United States in general. For 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 (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Family preference green cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Allentown, PA can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Allentown, PA?
To start, the family member in Allentown, PA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must wait for visas to become accessible depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Allentown, PA applicants often wait for years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Allentown, PA
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned 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 the utmost accuracy. Your Allentown, PA family immigration lawyer can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Allentown, PA can also help you navigate constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Allentown, PA Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Allentown, PA. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. 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 here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.