Smithton, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to become permanent residents of Smithton, PA, and the United States in general. For U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come 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 those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Smithton, PA can help your family decide the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Smithton, PA?
To start, the family member in Smithton, PA who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen has to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation necessary for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, which each have their own annual limits. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Smithton, PA applicants end up waiting for years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Smithton, PA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires hard work and legal knowledge. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can change considerably depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. A family immigration attorney in Smithton, PA can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Smithton, Pennsylvania immigration attorney can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can reduce wait times, experience a smoother application, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smithton, PA
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Smithton, PA. Our founder personally immigrated to the United States, and many of our team members are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.