Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Alexandria, VA
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specific relatives of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to themselves become permanent residents in Alexandria, VA and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards 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. A family green card attorney in Alexandria, VA can help you to decide the most fitting category of green card, helping you reunite with your family and create and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Alexandria, VA?
To get started, the family member located in Alexandria, VA who is a US citizen or permanent resident needs to file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. The form demonstrates the connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. As soon as that form is approved, the family member outside the United States are required to wait for visas to become available depending on when they applied and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can request a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which all have individual annual caps. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is designated for unmarried children who are 21 or older of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Alexandria, VA applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Alexandria, VA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires substantial work and in-depth expertise. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and which preference category you belong to. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Alexandria, VA family immigration attorneys can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
Your Alexandria, Virginia immigration attorney can also help you navigate ever-changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, enjoy a more streamlined process, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Alexandria, VA Family Immigration Lawyer
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Alexandria, VA. Our founder relocated to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multicultural, multilingual team will assist your family through the legal immigration system and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to assist with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.