Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in East Barre, VT
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in East Barre, VT and the entire United States. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. Your East Barre, VT family green card lawyer can help you determine the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do East Barre, VT Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the East Barre, VT family member who is a US 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 based on their application date and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. 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.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, all of which have annual limits. First Preference, or F1, for example 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. Often, East Barre, VT applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in East Barre, VT?
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and substantial work and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly 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. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Your East Barre, VT family immigration lawyer can help you with the documentation and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
East Barre, VT immigration lawyers can assist you with understanding 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. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your East Barre, VT Family Immigration Lawyer
When applying for a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in East Barre, VT. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and a large number of our team members are also immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. 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 eager to assist 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 the same results.