Request for Voluntary Departure Lawyer in Salem County, NJ
A request for voluntary departure is a formal application to an immigration judge to leave the United States voluntarily instead of facing a formal removal order. In Salem County, this process is governed by federal immigration law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides legal representation for individuals in Salem County seeking this option.
Understanding a Request for Voluntary Departure
A request for voluntary departure is a discretionary form of relief available in removal proceedings. If granted by an immigration judge, it allows a noncitizen to leave the U.S. at their own expense within a set period, typically 60 or 120 days, instead of being subject to a formal order of removal. The primary benefit is avoiding the severe penalties associated with a removal order, such as a 5 or 10-year bar on reentry.
Last verified: March 2026 | Immigration Court procedures | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm’s immigration team handles contested cases, including requests for voluntary departure.
Official Immigration Resources
Immigration law is federal, but local court procedures matter. For official information, refer to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) which oversees immigration courts. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides statutes and policy manuals. These .gov resources offer the most current legal guidelines.
Local Process for a Request for Voluntary Departure in Salem County
While immigration courts are federal, individuals from Salem County may have their cases heard at the Immigration Court in Newark or other nearby locations. The process is initiated during a removal proceeding before an immigration judge. You must formally request voluntary departure and demonstrate eligibility, including good moral character, the ability to pay for departure, and a willingness to leave voluntarily. Timing is critical—the request must be made before the conclusion of removal proceedings.
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Before your master calendar hearing, speak with a lawyer to assess if voluntary departure is your best option.
- File the Request: Your attorney will formally file the request for voluntary departure with the immigration court, typically on Form I-246 or through a motion.
- Present Your Case: At your individual hearing, you must prove eligibility, including good moral character and financial means for departure.
- Comply with the Grant: If granted, you must leave the U.S. within the specified time frame (usually 60 days) and provide proof of departure to ICE.
- Understand the Consequences: Failure to depart on time converts the grant into a final order of removal, triggering reentry bars.
Consequences of a Request for Voluntary Departure
In Salem County, a successful request for voluntary departure allows you to avoid a formal removal order but requires you to leave the country within a strict deadline.
| Scenario | Legal Classification | Reentry Bar | Financial Cost | Future Immigration Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Departure Granted & Complied With | Administrative Relief | No automatic bar (but unlawful presence may apply) | Self-funded departure | Easier to apply for future visas than with a removal order |
| Voluntary Departure Not Requested/Granted | Order of Removal | 10-year bar (or 5-year for certain expedited removal) | Potential detention & government-removal costs | Extremely difficult to obtain future immigration benefits |
| Voluntary Departure Granted but Not Complied With | Converts to Removal Order | 10-year bar + possible penalties | Fines up to $3,000 | Severely prejudicial; may be ineligible for future relief |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Immigration Law Experience in New Jersey
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a focused approach to immigration cases in New Jersey. Founded in 1997, the firm operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” While specific case counts for voluntary departure in Salem County are not separately maintained, the firm’s immigration practice handles a wide range of relief applications. Mr. Sris, the founding attorney, leads the immigration team, applying his extensive legal experience to handle the details of immigration court.
Legal Guidance for Immigration Matters
handling immigration court requires precise legal strategy. We analyze each client’s unique situation—including ties to the community, family circumstances, and immigration history—to advise on whether a request for voluntary departure is the most prudent path or if other forms of relief should be pursued.
Contact Our Immigration Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-1525
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Salem County courts and throughout the region. We represent individuals in Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Alloway, Quinton, and Elsinboro. Looking for a request for voluntary departure lawyer near me Salem County? We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Request for Voluntary Departure
Who is eligible for voluntary departure?
It depends. Eligibility is discretionary and requires good moral character for a specific period, proof of financial means to depart, and a willingness to leave. Certain criminal convictions or prior immigration violations can make you ineligible. An affordable request for voluntary departure lawyer Salem County can evaluate your specific case.
What is the difference between voluntary departure and a removal order?
A removal order is a forced deportation by the government, carrying a 5 or 10-year bar on legal reentry. Voluntary departure is a self-paid exit that avoids the formal bar, though unlawful presence time may still trigger separate penalties. The key difference is the severity of future immigration consequences.
How long do I have to leave if voluntary departure is granted?
Typically, 60 days if granted at the conclusion of removal proceedings. If granted prior to or during proceedings, you may receive up to 120 days. The exact deadline is set by the immigration judge and is strictly enforced.
Can I apply for voluntary departure after losing my case?
No. A request for voluntary departure must be made and granted before the immigration judge issues a final order of removal. Once a removal order is entered, this option is generally no longer available, highlighting the need for timely legal advice from a request for voluntary departure lawyer Salem County.
What happens if I don’t leave by the deadline?
Failure to depart converts the voluntary departure grant into a final order of removal. This triggers a 10-year bar on reentry and may subject you to a civil penalty of up to $3,000, making future immigration benefits very difficult to obtain.
Related Legal Services in Salem County
If you are facing immigration proceedings, you may also want to learn about business law matters or federal criminal defense, as these areas can intersect with immigration status. For broader New Jersey immigration resources, visit our state hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Camden County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding a request for voluntary departure.
Your case in Salem 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 Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem County NJ lawyers directory · Request for Voluntary Departure Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Request for Voluntary Departure Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Request for Voluntary Departure Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.