Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Johnstown, PA
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Johnstown, PA, and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). With lawful permanent U.S. 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 differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney in Johnstown, PA can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and build and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Johnstown, PA?
To get started, the family member located in Johnstown, PA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Johnstown, PA applicants have to wait for years and, in some cases, decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Johnstown, PA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on the country 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. With that kind of waiting period, you must apply as early as possible and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Johnstown, PA can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Immigration lawyers in Johnstown, PA can assist you in complying with laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They understand the application timelines and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Johnstown, PA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Johnstown, PA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here to help with all of your immigration requirements. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.