Family Green Card Lawyer Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
A family green card lawyer in Bergen County helps U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor relatives for lawful permanent residence. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and involves filing an I-130 petition, followed by adjustment of status or consular processing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Statutory Definition of Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and green card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents) to petition for certain family members to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. The process is defined by federal law, primarily the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) at 8 U.S.C. § 1151 et seq., and its implementing regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). The law establishes preference categories for relatives, with immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) having no annual numerical limits.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | USCIS Laws & Policy
Official Government Resources
For the official text of immigration laws and court procedures, refer to these .gov resources:
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) – The foundational body of law governing immigration.
- Newark Immigration Court – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) page for the court handling removal proceedings for Bergen County residents.
Bergen County Family Green Card Process & Local Insight
For Bergen County residents, the family green card process typically involves filing the I-130 petition with USCIS. If the beneficiary is already in the U.S. and eligible, they may file for adjustment of status (I-485) concurrently or after approval. If abroad, the case proceeds to consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A key local procedural fact is that immigration cases for Bergen County residents are processed at the USCIS Newark Field Office at the Peter Rodino Federal Building for affirmative applications like green cards and naturalization. Removal (deportation defense) proceedings are heard at the Newark Immigration Court.
- Determine Eligibility & Category: Confirm the petitioner’s status (U.S. citizen or LPR) and the beneficiary’s relationship to determine the correct visa category and any waiting periods.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Submit the petition with USCIS along with required fees and evidence proving the qualifying family relationship.
- Wait for Visa Availability: For preference categories (e.g., married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens, siblings), wait for the priority date to become current according to the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- Apply for Green Card: Once the I-130 is approved and a visa is available, the beneficiary files either Form I-485 for adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or undergoes consular processing (if abroad).
- Attend Interview & Biometrics: Complete biometrics screening and attend an interview with USCIS (for adjustment) or a consular officer (for consular processing).
- Receive Decision & Green Card: If approved, the beneficiary receives their green card and becomes a lawful permanent resident.
Potential Challenges in Family-Based Petitions
In Bergen County family green card cases, common challenges include proving a bona fide marriage, handling past immigration violations, and addressing inadmissibility grounds that may require a waiver.
While the goal is approval, several issues can complicate a family-based green card petition:
- Requests for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may issue an RFE seeking more proof of the relationship or financial support.
- Inadmissibility: Grounds such as unlawful presence, fraud, or certain criminal convictions can bar approval and may require filing a waiver (e.g., I-601 or I-601A).
- Consular Processing Delays: Administrative processing or visa denials at the consular stage can significantly extend the timeline.
- Change in Circumstances: Events like divorce, the petitioner’s death, or the beneficiary aging out can jeopardize the petition.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Bergen County Family Green Card Lawyers
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to immigration law. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of family reunification and the intricate details of New Jersey’s immigration field, including the nuances of the Newark Field Office and the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients in Bergen County and beyond.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results are unique to each case, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In immigration, favorable outcomes include I-130 petition approvals, successful adjustments of status, grants of asylum, and wins in removal proceedings. We actively represent clients in Bergen County, handling the processes at the USCIS Newark Field Office and the Newark Immigration Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Immigration Lawyer Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and the George Washington Bridge. If you need a family green card lawyer near Hackensack, Paramus, or Englewood, we can help.
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) 651-9900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Bergen County Family Green Card Lawyer FAQ
What is the first step to get a green card for a family member?
The first step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) files this form to establish the qualifying family relationship with the intending immigrant.
How long does a family-based green card take in Bergen County?
It depends on the family category and whether the beneficiary is in the U.S. or abroad. Immediate relative petitions (for spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens) have no quota, so processing is faster, often 8-14 months for the entire process. Preference categories (like siblings or married adult children) have annual limits and waiting periods that can extend for several years.
Can I adjust status in New Jersey if I entered without inspection?
No. Generally, you cannot adjust status if you entered the United States without being admitted or paroled by an immigration officer. There are very limited exceptions, such as through a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 245(i) if a petition was filed for you by a certain date, or through asylum or certain victim-based visas.
What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?
If your I-130 petition is denied, USCIS will send a notice explaining the reasons. You typically have the option to file a motion to reconsider or reopen the case, or you may appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days. The specific strategy depends on the grounds for denial, making it critical to consult with a family green card lawyer in Bergen County as early as possible.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status is the process for an eligible applicant already in the U.S. to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Consular processing is for applicants outside the U.S., who must complete their immigrant visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The choice depends on the beneficiary’s location and immigration history.
Do I need a lawyer for a family-based green card petition?
While not legally required, a lawyer is highly recommended. A family-based green card petition lawyer in Bergen County can ensure forms are correctly filed, evidence is properly assembled, and potential issues like inadmissibility are addressed proactively. Legal guidance is especially important if you have a contested cases involving past violations or are in removal proceedings.
Related Legal Resources
If you are in Bergen County and need other legal services, our firm also handles criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, and family law matters. For more information on immigration throughout New Jersey, visit our New Jersey immigration hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring counties like Morris County and Monmouth County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS procedures change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your family green card case in Bergen County.
Bergen County questions and answers
How does a family-based green card case start for a Bergen County resident?
A family-based case begins when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a petition for a qualifying relative with USCIS. The case is federal, so no Bergen County court is involved, but the sponsor's residence and finances in New Jersey matter for the affidavit of support. Mr. Sris and the firm's Of Counsel attorneys prepare the petition and the supporting evidence of the family relationship.
Can my relative adjust status while living in Bergen County?
A relative who is already in the United States may be able to apply for adjustment of status without leaving the country, depending on how the relative entered and whether a visa is immediately available. Relatives abroad complete consular processing instead. The firm reviews the entry history and visa availability before choosing the path, because an error at this stage can result in a bar to return.
Where will a Bergen County family green-card applicant be interviewed?
USCIS schedules adjustment interviews at the field office that serves the applicant's address; applicants in Bergen County are generally assigned to a New Jersey field office. The interview covers the relationship, the application and the supporting documents. The firm prepares clients for the interview and attends with them when permitted.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery 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 N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (grounds for divorce) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (custody). 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 · Family Green Card Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Family Green Card Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.