Family Green Card Lawyer Serving Somerset County, New Jersey — What Are Your Options?
A family-based green card petition in Somerset County is processed under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) through the USCIS Newark Field Office. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, and removal defense. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Statutory Definition of Family-Based Immigration
The legal foundation for a family-based green card petition is the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq. This federal law establishes the categories of family relationships that can qualify a foreign national for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner. The process is governed by Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), which details the procedures for filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on the precise application of these complex federal statutes to achieve family reunification for clients in New Jersey.
Official Government Resources
For the most current forms, fees, and processing times, always refer to official government sources. The primary statutes are available through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. For information on removal proceedings that may arise from a denied petition, consult the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) page for the Newark Immigration Court.
Local Process for a Family Green Card Petition in Somerset County
Immigration cases for Somerset County residents are processed at the USCIS Newark Field Office at the Peter Rodino Federal Building, 970 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102 for affirmative applications including green cards, naturalization, and work permits; removal (deportation defense) proceedings are heard at the Newark Immigration Court. A family green card petition lawyer Somerset County can help you determine the correct filing location and category. New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE detainers, which can affect certain cases.
- Determine Eligibility: Assess the family relationship (immediate relative or family preference category) and the petitioner’s status (U.S. citizen or LPR).
- File Form I-130: Prepare and submit the Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, along with the filing fee and all required supporting documentation proving the bona fide relationship.
- Await Approval & Visa Availability: Wait for I-130 approval. If the beneficiary is abroad, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. If in the U.S. and eligible, they may file Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
- Attend Interviews: Prepare for and attend the required interview with USCIS (for adjustment) or a U.S. consulate abroad (for consular processing).
- Receive Decision: Await the final decision on the green card application. If denied, explore appeal or motion options with legal counsel.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Somerset County, a successful family-based green card petition results in lawful permanent resident status, but denials can lead to removal proceedings.
| Application Type | Processing Stage | Typical Timeline | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 Petition (Immediate Relative) | USCIS Adjudication | 8-14 months | Proving bona fide marriage |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | USCIS Interview | Varies | Maintaining lawful status |
| Consular Processing | NVC & Consulate | Varies by post | Overcoming inadmissibility |
| Removal Defense | Immigration Court | 2-4+ years backlog | Eligibility for relief |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Immigration Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex immigration matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of family-based petitions, where a single error can lead to lengthy delays or separation. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, provides direct oversight on cases, ensuring a meticulous approach to evidence gathering and legal strategy for every green card through family lawyer Somerset County engagement.
Documented Case Results
SRIS actively practices in New Jersey immigration courts and before USCIS. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our experience spans successful I-130 petitions, adjustments of status, waivers for inadmissibility, and defense in removal proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Somerset County Family Green Card Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Somerset County and represents them at the USCIS Newark Field Office and Newark Immigration Court. We serve communities including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Green Card in Somerset County
Where is the USCIS office for Somerset County, New Jersey?
It is in Newark. Immigration applications for Somerset 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.
What is the first step to get a green card through family in New Jersey?
The first step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member (the petitioner) must file this form to establish the qualifying relationship with the foreign national beneficiary. This starts the official process.
How long does a family-based green card petition take?
It depends on the family category and where the beneficiary lives. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21), the current USCIS processing goal is 8-14 months for the I-130. After approval, additional time is required for consular processing or adjustment of status. Preference categories have visa backlogs adding years.
Can I adjust status in the U.S. based on a family petition?
It depends. You may file Form I-485 for adjustment of status if you were lawfully admitted to the U.S. and maintained that status, and an immigrant visa is immediately available. If you entered without inspection or violated your status, you typically cannot adjust and must process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which may trigger bars to re-entry.
What happens if my family green card petition is denied?
If USCIS denies the I-130 petition, you generally have 30 days to file a motion to reconsider or reopen. If the denial is upheld, the process ends. If the beneficiary is in removal proceedings, the denial may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). A family-based green card petition lawyer Somerset County can advise on appeal strategies.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New Jersey Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Somerset County and family law matters.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Immigration law and procedures change frequently. The information on this page is for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice for your specific case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your family green card petition.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.