Immediate Relative Petition Lawyer James City County, VA

An immediate relative petition is the first step toward obtaining a family-based green card for a spouse, parent, or unmarried child of a U.S. Citizen. For residents of James City County, Virginia—including Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot—USCIS processes these petitions at the Washington District Office in Fairfax, while removal proceedings, if any, occur at the Arlington Immigration Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients throughout the county in immediate relative petitions, adjustment of status, and related immigration matters. To speak with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys about your case, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Immediate Relative Petition Means in James City County, VA

An immediate relative petition is a family-based immigrant visa petition filed by a U.S. Citizen on behalf of a qualifying relative. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, immediate relatives include spouses, parents (if the petitioner is 21 or older), and unmarried children under 21. These categories are exempt from the annual numerical limits that cause multi-year backlogs in other family preference categories, which often means a faster path to lawful permanent residence.

For James City County residents, the petition process is entirely federal. Affirmative applications—such as Form I-130 and Form I-485 for adjustment of status—are filed with the USCIS Washington District Office at 2675 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031. If an applicant is placed in removal proceedings, the case is heard at the Arlington Immigration Court, 1901 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202. The Richmond location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is the firm’s closest location for James City County families; consultations are available by appointment, and phone support is available 24 hours a day at (888) 437-7747.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Immediate Relative Petition Cases

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a thorough, document-driven approach to immediate relative petitions. The process begins with a detailed review of the petitioner’s citizenship status and the beneficiary’s immigration history, including prior visa entries, any prior petitions, and any potential inadmissibility issues. The firm helps clients assemble the required evidence—proof of the qualifying relationship, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees if applicable, affidavits of support, and medical examination records—and submits a properly documented Form I-130 to USCIS.

When the beneficiary is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, the firm concurrently files Form I-485. If the beneficiary must process through a U.S. Consulate abroad, the firm guides the family through National Visa Center processing and prepares the beneficiary for the consular interview. In contested cases—such as those involving a prior marriage, a criminal record, or a Notice of Intent to Deny—Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys present legal arguments and supplementary evidence to USCIS. Throughout the matter, the firm stays in communication with USCIS and, if necessary, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, so clients always know where their case stands.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced immigration law for the entirety of his career as an attorney. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement and federal immigration processes, giving clients the benefit of insight into how government agencies evaluate evidence and make decisions. The firm has handled immigration matters across multiple categories and has documented case results. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file an immediate relative petition in Virginia?

Government filing fees for immediate relative petitions include $675 for Form I-130 and, if adjusting status inside the United States, $1,440 for Form I-485 plus an $85 biometrics fee, for a total of approximately $2,200 in government charges. These fees are set by USCIS and are subject to change. Fee waivers on Form I-912 may be available for applicants who meet income eligibility guidelines. Attorney fees are separate and vary by case. It is wise to confirm the current fee schedule before filing.

How long does it take to get a green card for an immediate relative in James City County?

Immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens typically see a processing timeline of 8 to 14 months for a green card, from petition filing to interview or approval. This assumes no Requests for Evidence or other complications. Applications for James City County residents are processed at the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax, so local processing times reflect that office’s workload. If the case involves consular processing abroad, the timeline is influenced by the U.S. Embassy or consulate’s scheduling.

What happens if I receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court?

A Notice to Appear initiates removal proceedings and means that the Department of Homeland Security is seeking to deport you. Removal cases for James City County residents are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court. You have the right to hire an attorney at your own expense; the government does not provide free counsel in immigration court. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether you are eligible for relief such as cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, or voluntary departure. Prompt action is essential because deadlines to file applications and evidence are strict.

Do I need a lawyer to file an immediate relative petition?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file an immediate relative petition, but an attorney can help avoid mistakes that lead to delays or denials. Incomplete forms, missing evidence, or overlooked inadmissibility issues can cause USCIS to reject or deny a petition. An attorney reviews your immigration history for potential complications, prepares the legal arguments, and communicates with USCIS on your behalf. For complex cases—such as those involving prior immigration violations or criminal records—legal representation is critical.

Can an immediate relative adjust status if they entered the United States unlawfully?

Generally, a person who entered the United States without inspection is not eligible to adjust status inside the country, but exceptions may apply. For example, a person who is a beneficiary of an approved Form I-130 filed on or before April 30, 2001, and who meets certain physical presence and other requirements, may be eligible under INA §245(i). Otherwise, the beneficiary may need to depart the United States and apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad, which can trigger unlawful presence bars. An attorney can assess the client’s specific eligibility before any steps are taken.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Official Immigration Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Immigration and Nationality Act (Title 8 U.S. Code)

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Results may vary.

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