Saint Albans, WV Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card permits specified family members of permanent residents and U.S. citizens to be granted permanent residence in Saint Albans, WV and the United States in general. With U.S. citizens, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include spouses, children and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). If someone is a lawful permanent resident, 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 meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney near you in Saint Albans, WV can assist your family in determining the right green card category to pursue, helping your family to reconnect and build and continue your life together in the United States.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Saint Albans, WV?
To begin, the Saint Albans, WV family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the family relationship that qualifies for the sponsorship. Once that petition is approved, the family member who is out of the country has to stand by for visas to be available based on their application date and the annual visa limits that Congress authorized. If the applying relative is already in the United States legally, they can petition for a status adjustment through forms that include the I-485.
Every eligible kind of family member falls into a category of preference, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. F1, for example, which is 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, Saint Albans, WV applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
Should You Hire a Family Immigration Attorney in Saint Albans, WV?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and particular know-how. USCIS does not publish wait times for adjudication of family-based petitions, which can fluctuate substantially which varies based on your nationality and your designated preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. When you face this kind of potential delay, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Family immigration lawyers near you in Saint Albans, WV can help you present the requisite documents and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Saint Albans, WV can assist you with understanding laws and regulations that change constantly and clarify confusing paperwork. 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 can reduce wait times, benefit from a smoother experience, and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Family Immigration Attorney: Why Pick Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Saint Albans, WV
When applying for a family-based green card, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Saint Albans, WV. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team 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 here to help with your and your family's immigration necessities. Start working with Weinstock Immigration Lawyers today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.