Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Altoona, PA
A Green Card for Family Immigrants enables particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Altoona, PA and the entire United States. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Altoona, PA can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and establish or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Altoona, PA?
To get started, the family member located in Altoona, PA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen needs to file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection required for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Altoona, PA applicants often wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Altoona, PA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and particular know-how. 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 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 Altoona, PA family immigration lawyer can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Altoona, Pennsylvania immigration attorney can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, undergo a more seamless process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Altoona, PA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member is applying for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Altoona, PA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process 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. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.