When ready to immigrate to the United States, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. Not only does that require filling out all the necessary paperwork correctly, but it also means choosing the right immigration strategy for your needs. If a family member can sponsor your immigration, contact a Newark family-based green card lawyer who could assist. An experienced green card attorney could help you understand the requirements, answer your questions, and support your family through the process.
Prospective immigrants with family members who are already citizens or legal residents of the United States can go through the family preference immigration process. Through this, the family member who is a legal citizen agrees to sponsor their relatives immigrating to the country.
Eligible family members for both green card holders and citizens include spouses and unmarried children under 21. U.S. citizens can also file petitions for their parents and siblings. A Newark family-based green card attorney could help prospective immigrants and their family members check their immigration status and determine the best steps for moving forward with an application.
Securing a family-based green card starts with a petition (Form I-130) filed by the family member who already has legal citizenship. This petition establishes the family relationship and allows the potential immigrant an avenue to move forward with the immigration process.
The potential immigrant will then need to file an application (Form I-485 from within the US or a visa application if abroad) to apply for permanent resident status. The sponsor must show that they have the means to support their family member and guarantee they will provide financial support, rather than requiring the immigrant to rely on government benefits while they establish their life in the United States. If one sponsor does not have adequate income, the immigrating family can pursue joint sponsorship. Only once these forms have been accepted can the application process continue.
The application must go through the National Visa Center to ensure all necessary documentation has been received. A family-based green card lawyer in Newark could prove instrumental in verifying that all paperwork has been completed correctly and all requirements have been met.
Once the immigrant and their family members have met the requirements, their green card will be processed. This green card grants the petitioner the permanent right to live and work in the United States.
If you are an immigrant looking for family preference status or a family member planning to sponsor an immigrant, consider working with a Newark family-based green card lawyer. An attorney could help with many of the key elements involved in the immigration process, from making sure you understand your rights at every step of the process to supporting you as you fill out your application paperwork and complete other requirements.
The Law Office of Eric M. Mark will help you move forward with your immigration procedure. Reach out today to learn more.
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