Immediate Relative Lawyer Serving Burlington County, New Jersey
An immediate relative petition (Form I-130) is the first step for a U.S. citizen to sponsor a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 for a green card. As an Immediate Relative Lawyer Burlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles I-130 petitions, consular processing, and adjustment of status for families in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and Moorestown.
Statutory Definition of Immediate Relative Immigration
U.S. immigration law, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1151(b)), defines “immediate relatives” as the spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. This category is not subject to annual numerical limits, which can allow for faster processing compared to family preference categories. The process is governed by federal regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | U.S. Code Title 8
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings decades of combined experience to complex immigration matters, including those involving immediate relatives.
Official Government Resources
For the official statutes and court information relevant to your case, consult these .gov resources:
- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) – The foundational federal immigration law.
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage – The local court website for Burlington County.
Local Procedural Insight for Burlington County
While immigration is a federal matter, your local context matters. For Burlington County residents, affirmative applications like I-130 petitions are processed at the USCIS Newark Field Office. If you are in removal proceedings, your case would be heard at the Newark Immigration Court. New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE detainers, which can affect certain case aspects.
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen petitioner files the Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, providing evidence of the relationship and citizenship.
- USCIS Adjudication: USCIS reviews the petition. If approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing or the beneficiary may apply for adjustment of status if already in the U.S.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment: The beneficiary undergoes an interview, either at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad or at a USCIS office in the U.S., and completes medical and security checks.
- Receive Green Card: Upon approval, the beneficiary is granted lawful permanent resident status.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Burlington County, an approved immediate relative petition leads to a green card, but the process involves strict eligibility checks, potential requests for evidence (RFEs), and interviews.
While the goal is approval, challenges can arise from insufficient evidence, prior immigration violations, or ineligibility issues requiring a waiver. An IR visa petition lawyer Burlington County can help identify and address these hurdles early.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a documented record of handling complex family-based immigration cases. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, leads our immigration practice and applies a strategic, detail-oriented approach to every immediate relative petition.
Case Results and Client Focus
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices immigration law in Burlington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We assist clients in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and throughout Burlington County with I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing, and overcoming requests for evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Your Immediate Relative Lawyer Burlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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.
FAQs: Immediate Relative Petitions in Burlington County
Where is the USCIS office for Burlington County, New Jersey?
Yes. Immigration applications for Burlington County residents are processed at USCIS Newark Field Office, Peter Rodino Federal Building, 970 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102. Removal at Newark Immigration Court. Detained cases: Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility. NJ’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
Who qualifies as an “immediate relative” for a green card?
Immediate relatives are the spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents of a U.S. citizen. This category has no annual visa limits, unlike other family-based categories. You must provide proof of the family relationship and the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship.
What is the first step to sponsor an immediate relative?
The first step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. The U.S. citizen petitioner must submit this form with supporting documents like marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of citizenship. An IR visa petition lawyer Burlington County can ensure the petition is complete to avoid delays.
How long does an immediate relative green card take?
It depends. Processing times vary. Currently, an immediate relative green card can take approximately 8 to 14 months for consular processing, but this can change based on USCIS backlogs, the service center, and whether the beneficiary needs a waiver or is adjusting status within the U.S.
Can I adjust status if my relative is already in the U.S.?
It depends. If the immediate relative entered the U.S. lawfully and maintains status, they may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) after the I-130 is approved. If they entered without inspection or violated status, they typically must process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which may trigger bars to re-entry.
Internal Resources
For more information, explore these related pages:
New Jersey Immigration Lawyer Hub |
Immigration Lawyer in Monmouth County |
Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice regarding your immediate relative petition.