Scottdale, PA Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Scottdale, PA and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards are different in application from immediate family member green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Scottdale, PA can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Scottdale, PA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To start, the family member in Scottdale, PA who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must 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 outside the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Often, Scottdale, PA applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Scottdale, PA
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can differ depending on the country you’re immigrating from and which preference category you belong to. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With this kind of potential wait, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with all of your correct data . A family immigration attorney in Scottdale, PA can assist with all the required paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Scottdale, PA can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Scottdale, PA
When applying for a family-based green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Scottdale, PA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.