Bergen County Immediate Relative Lawyer — How Do You Secure a Green Card for Your Family?
An Immediate Relative petition is the primary path for U.S. citizens to sponsor a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 for a green card. In Bergen County, handling the I-130 petition and subsequent adjustment of status requires precise documentation to avoid delays. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused guidance for these family-based immigration cases.
Understanding Immediate Relative Immigration in New Jersey
U.S. immigration law provides a specific category for “Immediate Relatives” of U.S. citizens, which includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old). This category is significant because it is not subject to annual numerical limits, unlike other family-based preference categories. The process is initiated by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS official website
The firm was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our team understands that family unification is a time-sensitive and emotionally charged process, requiring both legal precision and compassionate support.
Official Government Resources
It is important to rely on official government sources for immigration information. The following links provide the most current forms, fees, and processing details:
- USCIS Form I-130 Page – Official instructions and filing information for the Petition for Alien Relative.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review – Information on immigration court proceedings.
The Bergen County Immediate Relative Petition Process
Successfully sponsoring an immediate relative involves a multi-step process that extends beyond simply filing a form. Local procedural knowledge can be critical, especially if a case encounters requests for evidence (RFEs) or other details at the USCIS stage. For petitioners in Bergen County, understanding the supporting evidence required for a bona fide relationship is the first major hurdle.
- Case Evaluation & Strategy: Determine eligibility, identify potential issues (e.g., prior immigration history, criminal records), and gather a full list of required relationship evidence.
- Petition Preparation (Form I-130): Accurately complete the I-130 petition and assemble all supporting documentation, including proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship and evidence of the qualifying family relationship.
- Filing & USCIS Processing: Submit the petition package to the correct USCIS lockbox. Monitor case status and respond promptly to any USCIS notices or requests for additional evidence.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is in the U.S., they may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485). If abroad, the case proceeds through the National Visa Center and a U.S. Embassy/Consulate for an immigrant visa.
- Final Green Card Approval: Attend the final interview (if required) and receive the approval notice and physical green card.
Why Experience Matters in Family-Based Immigration
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With a focus on methodical case preparation, our approach is designed to address the requirements of U.S. immigration authorities from the outset. We understand that a successful Immediate Relative visa petition lawyer Bergen County must anticipate evidentiary standards and procedural details.
Case Handling for Family Unification
Our firm handles the full spectrum of immediate relative immigration cases. We prepare petitions for spouses, children, and parents, working to compile strong evidence to demonstrate the validity of the family relationship. We guide clients through both adjustment of status within the United States and consular processing abroad.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations.
Our team is familiar with the immigration field affecting families in Bergen County and surrounding communities like Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, and Englewood. We are accessible to clients throughout the area.
An Immediate Relative Lawyer Bergen County can provide the necessary support for your family’s immigration journey. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Immediate Relative Petitions
Who qualifies as an “Immediate Relative” for immigration purposes?
Yes. The law defines Immediate Relatives as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen (if the citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old). These categories have no annual visa limits.
How long does an Immediate Relative petition take?
It depends on USCIS processing times, the beneficiary’s location, and whether any issues arise. Current processing times for Form I-130 can be checked on the USCIS website. While Immediate Relative categories have no visa backlog, USCIS adjudication and subsequent steps still take several months to over a year.
Can I adjust status if my relative entered the U.S. without inspection?
No, generally not. An individual who entered without inspection (EWI) is typically barred from adjusting status within the U.S. There are very limited exceptions. They would likely need to pursue consular processing, which may trigger other inadmissibility issues requiring a waiver.
What evidence is needed for a marriage-based I-130 petition?
You need the marriage certificate, proof of termination of any prior marriages, and extensive evidence of a bona fide marital relationship. This includes joint financial accounts, leases or deeds, insurance policies, photographs, and affidavits from friends/family. An immediate relative immigration lawyer Bergen County can help compile a compelling evidence package.
What is the difference between filing for a spouse and filing for a fiancé(e)?
Two different processes. A U.S. citizen files Form I-130 for a spouse. For a fiancé(e) abroad, you file Form I-129F for a K-1 visa, which allows them to enter the U.S. to marry, after which you file for adjustment of status. The choice depends on your specific circumstances.
Last verified: April 2026. Immigration law and agency procedures change frequently. The information above is for general guidance. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for advice specific to your case.
For more information, see our pages on New Jersey Immigration Lawyer services, or learn about Bergen County Family Law matters that may intersect with immigration status.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Immediate Relative Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Immediate Relative Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.