Waterbury, VT Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Waterbury, VT and all of the United States. For 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 (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For those who are lawful permanent residents, the family members who may qualify for this green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference permanent resident cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Waterbury, 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 Waterbury, VT Family-Based Green Cards Work?
First, the Waterbury, VT family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Waterbury, VT applicants often wait for years or even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Waterbury, VT
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal knowledge. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly based on where you're immigrating from and your designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. With this kind of potential wait, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with complete accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Waterbury, VT can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Waterbury, Vermont immigration attorney can help you understand the ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. With experienced attorneys representing you and your family, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Waterbury, VT Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Waterbury, VT. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have family members who immigrated here. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We’re here to help with all of your immigration requirements. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.