Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Hopkinton, RI
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Hopkinton, RI, and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this type of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Hopkinton, RI can help you to decide the right green card category to pursue, helping you unite with your family to begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Hopkinton, RI?
To get started, the family member located in Hopkinton, RI who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship required for sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available depending on when they applied and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Every relative type who is eligible is assigned a preference category, all of which have annual limits. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Many Hopkinton, RI applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Hopkinton, RI?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and significant efforts and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can differ 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. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with all of your correct data . A family immigration attorney in Hopkinton, RI can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Hopkinton, Rhode Island immigration attorney can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. 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 minimize delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hopkinton, RI as Your Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hopkinton, RI. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys will assist your family through the legal immigration system 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.