Green Card Lawyers in Maimi, Florida

As an immigration law attorney with over two decades of experience in Miami, I have dedicated my career to assisting individuals and families navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. The United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) offers pathways for certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status—commonly known as a “green card“—through family petitions.

A family petition is initiated when a petitioner, either a USC or a lawful permanent resident, files an immigration petition on behalf of a beneficiary—the family member who wishes to reside permanently in the United States. This process begins with the submission of the appropriate forms, evidence of the qualifying family relationship, and the necessary filing fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Upon receipt, USCIS issues a Notice of Action (Form I-797C), acknowledging the petition and assigning a case number. Throughout the processing period, USCIS may request additional information or documentation before rendering a decision. Possible outcomes include approval of the petition leading to green card issuance, denial of the petition, or closure of the case if requested evidence is not provided.

The time it takes to obtain a green card through a family petition varies based on the petitioner’s status and the beneficiary’s relationship category:

• Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: This category includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens. Petitions in this category are not subject to annual numerical limits, making the process relatively faster—typically between 5 to 12 months.
• Preference Categories: Other relatives fall into preference categories with varying wait times due to annual visa limits:
  1. First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of US citizens.
  2. Second Preference (F2):
     • F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
     • F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents.
  3. Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of US citizens.
  4. Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of USCs (if the US citizen is 21 or older).

Processing times for these categories can be significantly longer and are influenced by factors such as visa availability and the beneficiary’s country of origin.

Navigating the intricacies of immigration law can be daunting. With over 20 years of experience in this field, I am committed to providing personalized legal guidance to help you:

• Prepare and File Your Family Petition: Ensuring all documentation is accurate and submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Attend Adjustment of Status Interviews: Providing representation during USCIS interviews where final decisions on petitions are made.

Contact My Office for Expert Legal Support

If you need assistance with a family petition or have questions about the immigration process, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can work towards achieving your goal of lawful permanent residency in the United States.