Tunkhannock, PA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of United States citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Tunkhannock, PA and the entire United States. For those who are U.S. citizens, the relatives they can bring 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 lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference green cards do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Tunkhannock, PA family green card lawyer can help your family decide the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping you reunite with your family and establish or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Tunkhannock, PA?
First, the Tunkhannock, PA family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on the date they apply and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, 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 Tunkhannock, PA applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Tunkhannock, PA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly based on where you're immigrating from and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with all of your correct data . Family immigration lawyers near you in Tunkhannock, PA can help you with the documentation and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Tunkhannock, PA can also help you navigate regulations and laws that change regularly and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Tunkhannock, PA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Tunkhannock, PA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immediate family members who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can guide your family through the immigration procedures and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're eager to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.