Harrisburg, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Harrisburg, PA and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Harrisburg, PA can help you to decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you unite with your family to create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Harrisburg, PA?
To start, the family member in Harrisburg, PA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship required for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad are required to wait for visas to become available 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 request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Harrisburg, PA applicants have to wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Harrisburg, PA?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Harrisburg, PA can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Harrisburg, PA immigration lawyers can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can minimize delays, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Harrisburg, PA
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Harrisburg, PA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.