Family Green Card Lawyer Serving Burlington County, New Jersey
A family-based green card petition is the primary path to lawful permanent residence for relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders, governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.). For Burlington County residents, these petitions are processed at the USCIS Newark Field Office. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for family-based immigration matters.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration Law
The legal foundation for family-based immigration is the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified in Title 8 of the U.S. Code. This federal law establishes the categories of family relationships that qualify for sponsorship, the annual numerical limits (quotas) for certain categories, and the procedural requirements for petitioners and beneficiaries. The process is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with appeals heard by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Founded in 1997, our firm has built a practice focused on the detailed requirements of immigration law. We understand that a successful petition depends on precise documentation and adherence to strict filing deadlines.
Official Government Resources
For the complete text of immigration statutes, refer to the Immigration and Nationality Act on the USCIS website. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) provides court information, including for the Newark Immigration Court which handles removal proceedings for New Jersey residents.
Local Process for Burlington County Family Petitions
For Burlington County families, the immigration process is centralized at federal facilities. The USCIS Newark Field Office at the Peter Rodino Federal Building handles affirmative applications like adjustment of status and naturalization. If a case leads to removal proceedings, they are heard at the Newark Immigration Court. New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE detainers, which can affect certain cases.
- Determine Eligibility: The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (sponsor) confirms their relationship to the beneficiary falls under an immediate relative or family preference category.
- File Form I-130: The sponsor submits the Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS with supporting evidence of the family relationship and the sponsor’s status.
- Wait for Visa Availability: For preference categories (like married sons/daughters or siblings of U.S. citizens), you must wait for a visa number to become available based on the priority date.
- Apply for Green Card: Once a visa is available, the beneficiary applies for lawful permanent residence either through Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if abroad).
- Attend Interview: Both the sponsor and beneficiary typically attend an interview with a USCIS officer or consular officer to verify the relationship and eligibility.
- Receive Decision: If approved, the beneficiary receives their green card and becomes a lawful permanent resident.
Potential Outcomes in Family Immigration Cases
In Burlington County, a successful family-based green card petition results in lawful permanent residence, while denials can lead to removal proceedings and potential bars from re-entry.
| Application Type | Primary Goal | Key Form | Typical Timeline* | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Relative Petition | Green card for spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen | I-130, I-485 | 8-14 months | Proving bona fide marriage, financial support requirements |
| Family Preference Petition | Green card for other qualified relatives (siblings, married children) | I-130 | Several years (visa wait) | Long visa backlogs, aging out of children |
| Fiancé(e) Visa | Allow foreign fiancé(e) to enter U.S. to marry | I-129F | 6-9 months | Meeting within 2 years requirement, intent to marry |
| Removal of Conditions | Remove conditional status on a marriage-based green card | I-751 | 18-24 months | Divorce or marital strife before filing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
*USCIS processing times are estimates and change frequently.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Immigration Matters
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results. We approach each family-based petition with an understanding of both the legal standards and the personal significance of reuniting families. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides direct oversight on immigration matters, bringing a focused strategy to each case.
Our Approach to Family-Based Green Card Cases
Our firm actively handles immigration cases in New Jersey. We focus on building a complete and persuasive petition from the start to minimize requests for evidence and avoid delays. We prepare clients thoroughly for interviews at the Newark Field Office, anticipating the questions officers typically ask about relationship history and future plans.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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) 275-5595
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Burlington County courts. We represent families in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Green Cards in Burlington County
Can a green card holder sponsor a married child for a family green card?
No. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can only sponsor their spouse and unmarried children. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor married sons and daughters, and they fall under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category, which has a significant visa backlog.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
It depends on where the beneficiary is located. Adjustment of status (Form I-485) is for beneficiaries already lawfully present in the United States. Consular processing is for those outside the U.S., where the visa interview takes place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. A family-based green card petition lawyer Burlington County can advise on the best path.
How long does it take to get a green card through a U.S. citizen spouse?
For an immediate relative petition (spouse of a U.S. citizen), the current USCIS processing timeline is approximately 8 to 14 months from filing to receiving the green card, assuming no complications. This includes processing the I-130 petition and the I-485 adjustment of status application concurrently.
What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?
USCIS will issue a notice explaining the reasons for denial. You typically have 30 days to file a motion to reopen or reconsider with USCIS, or 30 days to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). An attorney can review the denial grounds and recommend the best course of action.
Can I work while my family-based green card application is pending?
Yes, but you must apply for authorization. If you file for adjustment of status (I-485), you can concurrently apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. Approval typically takes several months, but it grants legal permission to work in the U.S. while your green card case is pending.
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Page Last verified: April 2026. Immigration law and USCIS procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.