Philadelphia, PA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes particular family members of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Philadelphia, PA and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify 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 Philadelphia, PA can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Philadelphia, PA?
First, the Philadelphia, PA family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country must wait for visas to become accessible dependent on the date of submission 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 category of eligible relative is given preference classification, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. It's common for Philadelphia, PA applicants to wait for many years or even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Philadelphia, PA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and legal understanding. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with all of your correct data . Your Philadelphia, PA family immigration lawyer can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Philadelphia, PA immigration lawyers can also help you navigate laws and regulations that change constantly and understand complicated documents. They have a grasp of application timetables and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, experience a smoother application, and boost your likelihood of success.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Philadelphia, PA Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA. Our founder moved 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 attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.