Salters, SC Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Family Preference Green Card permits specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to themselves become permanent residents in Salters, SC and the entire United States. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this category of green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
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. Your Salters, SC family green card lawyer can help you determine the most fitting category of green card, reconnecting you with your family so you can establish and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Salters, SC?
To get started, the family member located in Salters, SC who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen files Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection necessary for the sponsorship. Next, after USCIS approves the petition, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available based on the date they apply and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment with various forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which each have their own annual limits. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Salters, SC 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 Salters, SC?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires consistent effort and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably based on where 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. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with complete accuracy. A family immigration attorney in Salters, SC can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
Immigration lawyers in Salters, SC can also help you navigate constantly changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can coach you or your family members prior to 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.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Salters, SC: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Salters, SC. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee future outcomes.