Eau Claire, WI Lawyers for Family-Based Green Cards
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows specific relatives of people who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents of Eau Claire, WI, and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, family members that can be brought to the U.S. with this category of green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (as long as the citizen is at least 21). For those who are lawful permanent residents, eligible family members for this type of green card include unmarried children no matter what age, and spouses.
Family preference permanent resident cards have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are designated for a U.S. citizen's parents, spouses, and minor children. A family green card attorney near you in Eau Claire, WI can help you determine the correct type of green card category, reconnecting you with your family so you can create or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Eau Claire, WI?
To start, the family member in Eau Claire, WI 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. As soon as that form is approved, the family member who is not in the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on their application date and the yearly visa caps that Congress imposed. If the applicant is already in the U.S. legally, they can request for their immigration status to be adjusted through forms that include the I-485.
Each category of eligible relative is given preference classification, 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. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. Often, Eau Claire, WI applicants have to wait for years or in some cases, even decades for family preference green cards to be available.
Why Hire a Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Eau Claire, WI?
The legal immigration process takes a lot of time and substantial work and legal understanding. The USCIS does not disclose estimated processing times for family-based petitions, which can change considerably which varies based on your nationality and which preference category you belong to. However, there are many reports of fifteen-year or greater waits for sibling, or F4, visas. With that kind of waiting period, you must apply as early as possible and with complete accuracy. Your Eau Claire, WI family immigration lawyer can help you present the requisite documents and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Eau Claire, WI can assist you in complying with ever-changing laws and regulations and interpret complex documentation. They have a grasp of application timetables and can coach you or your family members prior to visa interviews. When you have a strong legal team working with you and your family, you may be able to get the visa much quicker, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Why Choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers As Your Eau Claire, WI Family Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member plans to apply for a family preference green card, choose Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Eau Claire, WI. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and numerous members of our team are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our multicultural, multilingual attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and benefit from some of the immigration industry's highest approval rates.* We're ready to help with all of your immigration requirements. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.