Hopewell, VA Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Hopewell, VA and the rest of the U.S. With U.S. citizens, relatives eligible to come to the U.S. with this type of green card include spouses, children (whether single or married) and siblings (providing that the citizen is over 21). For lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried children over 21.
Green Cards for Family Preference Immigrants have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Hopewell, VA can assist your family in determining the appropriate category of green card to apply for, helping your family to reconnect and begin and grow your lives together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Hopewell, VA?
To get started, the family member located in Hopewell, VA who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation needed for sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is not in the United States has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through form I-485 and others.
Every relative type who is eligible has a defined preference categorization, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. As an example, F1, or First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Hopewell, VA applicants have to wait for years or in many instances, decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Hopewell, VA?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and legal understanding. The processing times for family-based petitions are not made available by the United States Citizens and Immigration Services, which can differ which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Your Hopewell, VA family immigration lawyer can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
Your Hopewell, Virginia immigration attorney can assist you with understanding ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They understand the tight application timeline and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, undergo a more seamless process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hopewell, VA
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Hopewell, VA. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers will assist your family through the legal immigration system as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We're ready to help with your and your family member's immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.