Burlington County Petition for Alien Relative Lawyer — How Can We Help Your Family?
Filing a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) in Burlington County is the first step to reunite families through lawful permanent residency. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal support for this process, addressing common issues like proving a bona fide marriage or establishing qualifying family relationships. Our firm, founded in 1997, has extensive experience handling U.S.
Understanding the Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
The Petition for Alien Relative, or Form I-130, is the foundational document filed with USCIS to establish a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner and a foreign national beneficiary. This petition is a prerequisite for the beneficiary to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status within the United States. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Success depends on providing sufficient evidence to prove the claimed relationship and the petitioner’s ability to financially support the beneficiary.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | U.S. Department of State.
Official Government Resources
For accurate information, always refer to official government sources. You can review the Immigration and Nationality Act on the U.S. House of Representatives website. For forms and filing instructions, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
The Petition for Alien Relative Process in Burlington County
While USCIS handles petitions nationally, Burlington County residents must ensure their application is complete and addresses potential local adjudication trends at the relevant USCIS service center. A common challenge is responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE) for more proof of a genuine marriage. Having a petition for alien relative lawyer near me Burlington County can help you prepare a strong initial filing to avoid delays.
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder and that your family member fits into a category that allows for sponsorship.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all required evidence of your status, the family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificate), and supporting financial documents.
- Complete and File Forms: Accurately complete Form I-130 and, if applicable, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). File the packet with the correct USCIS lockbox.
- Respond to USCIS Requests: If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), prepare and submit a timely, full response.
- Await Approval and Proceed: Once the I-130 is approved, the beneficiary follows either consular processing abroad or applies to adjust status in the U.S.
Potential Issues and How a Lawyer Can Help
handling a Petition for Alien Relative involves strict legal and procedural requirements. An affordable petition for alien relative lawyer Burlington County can be vital in avoiding these common pitfalls:
- Proving a Bona Fide Marriage: USCIS scrutinizes marriage-based petitions. A lawyer can help compile compelling evidence beyond the marriage certificate, such as joint financial records, leases, and affidavits from friends and family.
- Financial Sponsorship Requirements: The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally binding contract. An attorney ensures it is completed correctly and that income requirements are met, potentially using a joint sponsor if necessary.
- Previous Immigration Violations: If the beneficiary has a history of overstaying a visa or entering without inspection, it can complicate the process. Legal counsel is essential to handle potential waivers or alternative paths.
- Responding to RFEs/NOIDs: A lawyer crafts a strategic response to government inquiries, turning a potential denial into an approval.
Our Approach to Family Immigration
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team understands that family immigration is deeply personal. We focus on clear communication, meticulous document preparation, and proactive case management for petitions in Burlington County. We aim to provide efficient and effective legal support for your Petition for Alien Relative.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations.
Our team serves clients throughout Burlington County, including near Moorestown, Mount Laurel, and Medford. We are accessible to those near the Burlington County Superior Court and USCIS application support centers in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions: Petition for Alien Relative
Who can file a Petition for Alien Relative?
Yes, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file, but the family categories differ. Citizens can petition for spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Green card holders can only petition for spouses and unmarried children.
How long does the I-130 petition process take?
It depends on the relationship category and the beneficiary’s country. Processing times vary significantly between USCIS service centers. Current processing times can be checked on the USCIS website, but it often takes several months to over a year for approval before visa processing even begins.
What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?
You typically have the option to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or, in some cases, file a motion to reopen or reconsider. The specific action depends on the grounds for denial. Consulting with a petition for alien relative lawyer Burlington County immediately after a denial is critical.
Can I speed up the processing of my petition?
Generally, no. USCIS processes petitions in the order received. Premium processing is not available for Form I-130. The most reliable way to avoid delays is to ensure the initial application is complete, accurate, and includes strong supporting evidence.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Petition for Alien Relative?
It depends. While not legally required, the process is complex. A lawyer ensures forms are filled out correctly, helps gather sufficient evidence, and provides representation if issues like Requests for Evidence arise. For clear cases, some individuals file alone, but legal guidance often prevents costly mistakes and delays.
Related Services: If you are in Burlington County and need other legal assistance, explore our pages on Criminal Defense or Family Law. For immigration help in other areas, see our New Jersey Immigration hub or our Philadelphia Immigration page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current guidance regarding your Petition for Alien Relative.
Under Va. Code § 13.1-1000 et seq., state law governs this practice area.