Immediate Relative Petition Lawyer Serving Nassau County, New York
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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for Nassau County families handling this process.
Understanding Immediate Relative Petitions Under U.S. Immigration Law
An immediate relative petition, filed on Form I-130, establishes a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen petitioner and a beneficiary who is a spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent. This classification is significant because, unlike family preference categories, immediate relatives are not subject to annual visa quotas, meaning no waiting period for a visa number to become available once the petition is approved. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Last verified: April 2026 | Nassau County Court | U.S. Code Title 8
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a detailed approach to immigration law. We understand that an approved I-130 petition is just one phase; we plan for the next steps, whether adjustment of status within the U.S. or consular processing abroad.
Official Government Resources
For the official forms and instructions, visit the USCIS I-130 page. To check case processing times, use the USCIS processing times tool. These .gov resources provide the most current information directly from the agencies handling your case.
handling the Immediate Relative Petition Process in Nassau County
For Nassau County residents, immediate relative petitions are typically filed with the USCIS National Benefits Center. However, the subsequent steps depend on the beneficiary’s location. If the beneficiary is in the U.S. and eligible, they may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) after the I-130 is approved. If abroad, the case proceeds to the National Visa Center for consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A key local procedural fact is that while USCIS handles the petition, any removal (deportation) proceedings for a beneficiary in the U.S. would be heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or Varick Street Immigration Court in Manhattan.
- Case Evaluation & Strategy: We review your family situation, eligibility, and any potential issues like prior immigration violations.
- Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and organizing all required evidence, including relationship proof, financial support forms (I-864), and civil documents.
- Filing & Monitoring: We prepare and file the I-130 petition with USCIS, then monitor its progress through the online system.
- Responding to USCIS: If USCIS issues an RFE or Notice of Intent to Deny, we prepare a detailed legal response.
- Next-Step Planning: Upon approval, we immediately advise on and prepare for the next phase—adjustment of status or consular processing.
Potential Challenges in Immediate Relative Petitions
While immediate relative petitions have no visa backlog, challenges can include proving a bona fide marriage, handling a beneficiary’s unlawful presence, or dealing with complex criminal or immigration histories.
An experienced immediate relative immigration lawyer Nassau County can help identify and address these issues proactively. For example, a beneficiary with prior unlawful presence in the U.S. may need a waiver (Form I-601A) before departing for consular processing. Failure to secure a required waiver can result in a 3-year or 10-year bar from reentering the United States.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Immigration Matters
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex legal matters. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of family reunification and provide dedicated, case-specific representation for every immediate relative petition we handle.
Our Approach to Immediate Relative Petitions
Our firm-wide experience includes successfully handling I-130 petitions, adjustment of status applications, and consular processing. We focus on thorough evidence collection and precise form preparation to minimize delays. For Nassau County families, we provide clear guidance on the entire process, from the initial filing to the final green card issuance.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Nassau County Immediate Relative Petition Lawyer Near You
Our New York location serves clients in Nassau County and across Long Island. We represent clients in immigration matters at courts and USCIS offices throughout the region.
Areas Served: Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, Syosset, and surrounding communities.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York Location
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Immediate Relative Petitions
Where is the immigration court for Nassau County, New York?
Removal proceedings are at New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications. NY has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS handles immigration for Nassau County residents.
What is an immediate relative petition?
It is Form I-130, filed by a U.S. citizen to establish a qualifying relationship with a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 for the purpose of sponsoring them for a lawful permanent resident (green card) status. This category has no annual visa limits.
How long does an immediate relative petition take?
It depends. USCIS processing times for the I-130 vary, often taking 10 to 15 months. After approval, if the beneficiary is abroad, consular processing adds several more months. An IR visa petition lawyer Nassau County can provide current estimates and help avoid delays.
Can I adjust status if I entered the U.S. without inspection?
No, generally not. Individuals who entered without inspection (EWI) are usually ineligible for adjustment of status. They typically must leave the U.S. for consular processing, which may trigger unlawful presence bars, requiring a waiver filed in advance.
What evidence is needed for a spousal petition?
Extensive evidence proving a bona fide marriage is required. This includes a marriage certificate, joint financial accounts, leases or mortgages, insurance policies, photographs, affidavits from friends/family, and evidence of shared life commitments.
Contact an Immediate Relative Petition Lawyer Nassau County Today
If you are a U.S. citizen seeking to bring your immediate family member to the United States, having skilled legal counsel is crucial. An experienced immediate relative petition lawyer Nassau County from our firm can guide you through the I-130 process and the steps that follow. We are committed to helping Nassau County families achieve reunification. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your case.
Related Practice Areas: Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Nassau County Family Law Lawyer
Other Locations: Immigration Lawyer New York County | Immigration Lawyer Suffolk County
State Hub: New York Immigration Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your immediate relative petition.