Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Smethport, PA
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Smethport, PA, and the entire United States. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. under this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants 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 near you in Smethport, PA can help your family decide the correct type of green card category, helping you reunite with your family and create or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Smethport, PA?
To begin, the Smethport, PA family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection needed for sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable dependent on the date of submission and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is given preference classification, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Smethport, PA applicants end up waiting for years and, in some cases, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Smethport, PA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with all of your correct data . Smethport, PA family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Smethport, PA immigration lawyers can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can minimize delays, experience a smoother application, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smethport, PA as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smethport, PA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. 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 ready to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.