Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Wakefield, VA
A Family Preference Green Card permits particular family members of current U.S. citizens and permanent residents to become permanent residents of Wakefield, VA, and the United States in general. For those who are U.S. citizens, family members that can come to the U.S. with this category of green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, the relatives eligible for this green card include spouses and unmarried children of any age.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference do not have the same process as green cards meant for immediate family, which are for spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family green card attorneys in Wakefield, VA can help your family decide the most fitting category of green card, helping you reunite with your family and establish and continue your life together in the United States.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Wakefield, VA?
To begin, the Wakefield, VA family member who is either a United States citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form helps demonstrate the family relation that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member who lives abroad must remain waiting until visas are obtainable depending on when they applied and the annual visa quotas authorized by Congress. If the relative is legally in the U.S. already, they can apply for their status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each eligible type of relative is given preference classification, which all have individual annual caps. F1, for example, which is First Preference, is for over 21-year-old, unmarried children of U.S. citizens. F1 is allocated only 23,400 of 226,000 family preference green cards each year. Often, Wakefield, VA applicants have to wait for years and, in some cases, decades for family preference green cards to open up.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Wakefield, VA?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably depending on your country of origin and your preference category. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, you must apply as early as possible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Wakefield, VA can help you present the requisite documents and help ensure that it is properly filed for your desired visa.
An immigration attorney in Wakefield, VA can help you understand the constantly changing laws and regulations and understand complicated documents. They understand the tight application timeline and can assist you and your family members in getting ready for visa interviews. With knowledgeable legal professionals in your corner, you can shorten potential delays, enjoy a more streamlined process, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, VA. Our founder moved to the United States as an immigrant, and many of our team members are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can guide your family through the immigration procedures as we offer some of the industry’s highest success rates.* We’re here to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Get started with a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not guarantee the same results.