Swissvale, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes certain relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Swissvale, PA and the United States in general. 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 (providing that the citizen is over 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Swissvale, PA can help you determine the appropriate category of green card to apply for, reconnecting you with your family so you can create and grow your lives together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Swissvale, PA?
First, the Swissvale, PA family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Swissvale, PA applicants often wait for years or in many instances, decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Swissvale, PA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned 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 complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Swissvale, PA can help you with the documentation and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Swissvale, Pennsylvania immigration attorney can help you understand the regulations and laws that change regularly and clarify confusing paperwork. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Swissvale, PA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Swissvale, PA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We're ready to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.