Family Immigration Lawyers for Green Cards in Castlewood, VA
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows particular family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to gain permanent residency in Castlewood, VA and the United States in general. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can come to the U.S. with this green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Family preference green cards differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Castlewood, VA can assist your family in determining the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Castlewood, VA Family-Based Green Cards Work?
To begin, the Castlewood, VA family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship required for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who lives abroad must wait for visas to become accessible depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each eligible type of relative falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. For example, First Preference, or F1, is assigned to U.S. citizens’ children who are older than 21 and unmarried. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Many Castlewood, VA applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for a family-sponsored green card to come.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Castlewood, VA?
The United States immigration procedure is time-consuming and necessitates significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. When you face this kind of potential delay, you must apply as early as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Family immigration lawyers near you in Castlewood, VA can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Castlewood, VA can assist you with understanding regulations and laws that change regularly 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 attorneys representing you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, benefit from a smoother experience, and improve your family's chances to achieve the desired outcome.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Castlewood, VA Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Castlewood, VA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.