Harmonsburg, PA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Harmonsburg, PA, and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this category of 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, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Family green card attorneys in Harmonsburg, PA can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Harmonsburg, PA?
First, the Harmonsburg, PA family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is assigned a preference category, which each have their own 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, Harmonsburg, PA applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Harmonsburg, PA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and legal understanding. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can differ based on where you're immigrating from and your assigned preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Harmonsburg, PA family immigration attorneys can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Harmonsburg, PA immigration lawyers can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Harmonsburg, PA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Harmonsburg, PA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team will advise your family throughout the legal immigration structure and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.