Avonmore, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Avonmore, PA and the rest of the U.S. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include children, spouses and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Avonmore, PA can help you determine the correct type of green card category, helping you unite with your family to begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Avonmore, PA?
First, the Avonmore, PA family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship necessary for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Avonmore, PA applicants often wait for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Avonmore, PA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and legal knowledge. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Avonmore, PA can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Avonmore, PA immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with ever-changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Avonmore, PA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Avonmore, PA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.