Laureldale, PA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specified family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Laureldale, 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 children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, 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 for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Laureldale, PA can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Laureldale, PA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Laureldale, PA family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member outside 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 applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Laureldale, PA applicants often wait for years or even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Laureldale, PA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and hard work and legal knowledge. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, 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. With that kind of waiting period, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with accurate information. Laureldale, PA family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Laureldale, PA can assist you in complying with regulations and laws that change regularly and understand complicated documents. 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 may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Laureldale, PA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Laureldale, PA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.