Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Ridge Spring, SC
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specified family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Ridge Spring, SC and all of the United States. For U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For lawful permanent residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Ridge Spring, SC family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin or expand your life in the U.S. together.
How Do Family-Based Green Cards Work in Ridge Spring, SC?
To start, the family member in Ridge Spring, SC who is a US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States are required to wait for visas to become available based on the date they apply and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through form I-485 and others.
Each category of eligible relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. F1 is allocated 23,400 of 226,000 available yearly family preference green cards. Often, Ridge Spring, SC applicants have to wait for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Ridge Spring, SC?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal knowledge. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, it's critical that you file as soon as you can and with all of your correct data . Ridge Spring, SC family immigration attorneys can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Ridge Spring, South Carolina immigration attorney can help you understand the laws and regulations that change constantly and interpret complex documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help you or your family members prepare for visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, experience a smoother application, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ridge Spring, SC
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Ridge Spring, SC. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to assist with your and your family's immigration necessities. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.