Family-Based Green Card Lawyer

Family-Based Green Card Lawyer

If you’re seeking to bring a family member to the United States or adjust your status through a family relationship, a family-based green card lawyer at ARM Lawyers can guide you through the complex immigration process.

Our experienced immigration attorney, Lauren Allu, specializes in family-based immigration and is dedicated to reuniting families and helping individuals achieve lawful permanent residency.

Understanding Family-Based Green Cards

Family-based green cards are a common pathway to permanent residency in the United States. They allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigration. Navigating the family-based green card categories, understanding priority dates, and managing the family-based green card process can be challenging without experienced legal assistance.

Family-Based Green Card Categories

The U.S. immigration system categorizes family relationships into specific preference categories, which determine eligibility and the availability of visas.

Immediate Relatives (Unlimited Visas)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens enjoy special immigration priority and are not subject to annual visa limits. Categories include:

• IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
• IR-2: Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
• IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen
• IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
• IR-5: Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old

Family Preference Categories (Limited Visas)

These categories are subject to annual numerical limits, leading to potential wait times:

• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of U.S. citizens
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of lawful permanent residents
• F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)

Our family-based green card lawyer can help determine which category applies to your situation and guide you through the application process.

Family-Based Green Card Priority Date

The priority date is crucial in the family-based immigration process. It is the date when your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is filed with USCIS. For categories with visa limits (family preference categories), the priority date determines your place in line for a visa number.

Each month, the Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which indicates the cutoff dates for visa availability in each category and country of charge-ability. Understanding how to interpret the Visa Bulletin and track your priority date is essential.

Attorney Allu can assist you in:

• Monitoring the Visa Bulletin: Keeping you informed about the current processing dates.
• Understanding Retrogression: Explaining fluctuations in visa availability that can affect your wait time.
• Strategizing Your Case: Advising on options to potentially expedite your case or adjust your immigration strategy.

Family-Based Green Card Process

The process of obtaining a family-based green card involves several steps:

1. Filing the Petition (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor files the petition with USCIS to establish the qualifying family relationship.
2. Petition Approval: USCIS reviews and approves the petition, verifying the legitimacy of the relationship.
3. Waiting for Visa Availability: For preference categories, wait for a visa number to become available according to your priority date.
4. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status:
   • Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is outside the U.S., they will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
   • Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): If the beneficiary is lawfully present in the U.S., they may adjust their status to permanent resident without leaving the country.
5. Medical Examination and Interview: The beneficiary undergoes a medical exam and attends an interview to assess eligibility.
6. Visa Issuance or Green Card Approval: Upon successful completion, the beneficiary receives an immigrant visa or green card.

Our experienced family-based green card lawyer will assist you throughout the family-based green card process, ensuring all forms are correctly completed and deadlines are met.

Family-Based Green Card Processing Time

Processing times for family-based green cards vary depending on several factors:

• Immediate Relatives: Typically have shorter processing times because there are no annual visa limits.
• Family Preference Categories: Processing times can be significantly longer due to annual caps and high demand.

Other factors influencing processing time include:

• USCIS Workload: Varies by service center and can affect petition processing times.
• Completeness of Application: Errors or omissions can lead to delays or requests for additional evidence.
• Country of Chargeability: Some countries have higher demand, leading to longer wait times.

Our attorney can provide an estimate of the family-based green card processing time for your specific case and work diligently to prevent unnecessary delays.

Family-Based Green Card Wait Time

The family-based green card wait time is primarily determined by:

• Visa Category: Immediate relatives have no wait for visa availability, while preference categories may have significant backlogs.
• Priority Date: The date your petition was filed relative to others in the same category.
• Country Limitations: Per-country limits can result in longer waits for applicants from countries with high numbers of applicants, such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Wait times can range from several months to several years. Our lawyer will help you understand the expected wait time for your category and explore any possible avenues to reduce delays.

Why Choose ARM Lawyers for Your Family-Based Green Card

Navigating the complexities of family-based immigration requires expert guidance. At ARM Lawyers, we offer:

• Personalized Attention: We understand every case is unique and provide tailored solutions.
• Expertise in Immigration Law: Attorney Lauren Allu has extensive experience handling family-based green card cases.
• Dedication to Reuniting Families: We are committed to helping families come together in the United States.

Contact Our Family-Based Green Card Lawyer Today

If you need assistance with a family-based green card application, contact us for a consultation. We will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process.

Our family-based green card lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process. Whether you’re just starting your family based green card application or need assistance with a pending case, we’re here to support you.

Call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

Let ARM Lawyers help you bring your family together and achieve your immigration goals.