Downingtown, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Downingtown, PA and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Downingtown, PA can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Downingtown, PA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To begin, the Downingtown, PA family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date 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 with various forms including I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member is given preference classification, 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. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Downingtown, PA applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Downingtown, PA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can differ depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Downingtown, PA can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Downingtown, PA immigration lawyers can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They know the application’s schedules and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Downingtown, 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 Downingtown, PA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.