Family-Based Green Card Attorneys in Madison, WI
A Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants allows certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Madison, WI and the entire United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. with this green card include minor and adult children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). 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 green cards have a different path from green cards for immediate family members, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Your Madison, WI family green card lawyer can assist your family in determining the most fitting category of green card, helping you unite with your family to begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
Family-Based Green Cards: How Do They Work in Madison, WI?
To begin, the Madison, WI family member who is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, called a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection 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 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 is assigned a preference category, which has a set annual cap specific to that category. First Preference, or F1, for example is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. 23,400 family preference green cards are appropriated for F1 applicants yearly, out of 226,000 available. Many Madison, WI applicants end up waiting for years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Madison, WI?
Going through the immigration process is time-consuming and requires significant efforts and legal understanding. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can differ which varies based on your nationality and your assigned preference category. However, some F4 (sibling) visa applicants have reported waits of more than fifteen years. With this kind of potential wait, you must apply as early as possible and with all of your correct data . A family immigration attorney in Madison, WI can assist with all the required paperwork and ensure that you file it correctly for the proper visa type.
An immigration attorney in Madison, WI can help you understand the regulations and laws that change regularly and clarify confusing paperwork. They know the application’s schedules 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, experience a smoother application, and boost your likelihood of success.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Madison, WI: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When you or a family member decides to pursue a family-based green card, select Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Madison, WI. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have close family who are immigrants. Our team of multicultural and multilingual lawyers can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and experience some of the industry's highest rates of success.* We’re here to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Reach out today for a case evaluation at no cost.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar result.