Fredericksburg, VA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to gain permanent residency in Fredericksburg, VA and the rest of the U.S. If someone is a U.S. citizen, 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 citizen is at least 21). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designed for the parents, minor children, and spouses of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Fredericksburg, VA can help your family decide the right green card category to pursue, reconnecting you with your family so you can build or expand your life in the U.S. together.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Fredericksburg, VA?
To get started, the family member located in Fredericksburg, VA who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member outside the United States 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 apply for their status to be adjusted by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. First Preference, or F1, for example 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 Fredericksburg, VA applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to open up.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Fredericksburg, VA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and significant efforts and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially depending on your country of origin and your assigned preference category. However, some have reported fifteen-year or more wait for an F4 (sibling) visa. With that kind of waiting period, it's imperative that you apply as soon as possible and with the utmost accuracy. Your Fredericksburg, VA family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and ensure everything is properly filed for the correct visa.
Your Fredericksburg, Virginia immigration attorney can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and comprehend intricate documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you can shorten potential delays, benefit from a smoother experience, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Fredericksburg, VA: Your Family Immigration Attorney
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Fredericksburg, VA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures 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. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.