Family Reunification Lawyer New York, NY

Maria had waited years to hold her mother again. The last time she saw her was in Quito, the day Maria boarded a plane for New York with a student visa and a heart full of hope. That visa led to a green card, citizenship, a job in Queens, and a life she is proud of—but the empty chair at every family celebration never stopped aching. When Maria started researching how to bring her mother to the United States, the forms, the fees, and the fear of making a mistake nearly caused her to give up. She needed more than legal information; she needed someone who understood the human weight of a family reunification case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrate on helping New York families like Maria’s navigate the immigration system so that reunification becomes more than a dream. Contact (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy Options: How We Approach Family Reunification

Every family’s story is unique, so the firm’s immigration practice does not rely on a one-size-fits-all checklist. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys first listen to understand who you are trying to bring to the United States, whether that person is currently overseas or already here, and what obstacles stand in the way. From there, they map out the visa category or adjustment-of-status path that fits—often a family-based immigrant petition combined with consular processing or an application to adjust status if the relative is lawfully present in the country. Because immigration law is federal, the same statutes and regulations apply whether the beneficiary will live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Buffalo, but the experience of a New York family working with USCIS offices at 26 Federal Plaza or the Holtsville Field Office on Long Island can differ from what someone encounters elsewhere. The firm’s approach accounts for those local realities without ever losing sight of the legal standards that control the outcome.

When the case involves a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, the starting point is almost always a Form I-130 petition filed by a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident. Yet the work does not end with the petition. The firm examines the beneficiary’s immigration history for prior removals, unlawful presence accrual, or criminal issues that could trigger inadmissibility. If a waiver is needed—such as an I-601 or I-601A provisional waiver—Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare that application alongside the principal petition so that the family’s case moves forward as a coherent whole rather than a series of disjointed filings.

What to Expect During the Family Reunification Process

Understanding what the months ahead will look like helps families make informed decisions. The process generally begins with the U.S. Citizen or permanent resident filing an I-130 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once the petition is approved and a visa number becomes available (immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens are exempt from the annual numerical limits, so they benefit from a shorter wait), the case moves to either the National Visa Center for consular processing or, if the beneficiary is already in the United States lawfully, to an adjustment-of-status application filed with USCIS. During consular processing, the beneficiary attends an interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. For adjustment of status, the interview takes place at a USCIS field office—New York City residents typically appear at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan or, depending on ZIP code, at the Holtsville office on Long Island.

At every stage, deadlines, document requirements, and biometrics appointments shape the timeline. The firm prepares clients for what is needed so that incomplete records or missed notices do not cause unnecessary delays. While processing times can vary, a well-prepared petition presented with all required supporting evidence generally moves more predictably than one that must be corrected after issuance of a Request for Evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on building a complete file from the start because they know that families who have been waiting to be together do not have time to waste.

Obstacles That Can Arise

Not every path to reunification is straightforward. Past immigration violations, criminal convictions, or health-related grounds of inadmissibility can stop a case in its tracks. The law provides for waivers in many circumstances—for example, the I-601A provisional waiver allows certain relatives of U.S. Citizens to apply for forgiveness of unlawful presence before they leave the United States for their consular interview—but waiver applications are discretionary and require a showing of extreme hardship to the qualifying relative. The firm does not promise a particular result, but Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to present the strongest possible hardship case by documenting medical, emotional, financial, and country-condition factors that affect the U.S. Citizen or permanent resident family member.

For families facing removal proceedings at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or the Varick Street Immigration Court, family reunification may need to be pursued as part of a broader deportation defense strategy. In those matters, the firm examines eligibility for cancellation of removal, adjustment of status in proceedings, or other relief that may allow a noncitizen to remain lawfully with loved ones. New York City’s sanctuary policies under Executive Order 41 limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, but they do not alter federal immigration law itself, so the same statutory framework applies.

Attorney Credentials

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings an understanding of how government agencies build cases—an advantage when anticipating the questions USCIS or a consular officer may ask. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collectively contribute extensive combined legal experience to family reunification matters. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for family reunification?

U.S. Citizens can petition for spouses, parents, children (including stepchildren), and siblings, while lawful permanent residents may petition for spouses and unmarried children. The relationship must be legally recognized and, in most cases, supported by documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and evidence of termination of any prior marriages. The firm reviews the family’s specific facts to identify the visa category that applies and whether any additional steps, such as proving a bona fide marriage, are needed.

How long does family reunification take in New York?

Processing times depend on the visa category, USCIS workloads, and whether the beneficiary is already in the United States. Immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens—spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—are not subject to annual numerical caps, so they typically move faster than preference-category relatives, who may wait years for a visa to become available. The firm helps clients understand where their case fits within the priority-date system and advises on steps that can be taken while waiting.

What if my relative entered the U.S. Without inspection?

A person who entered without inspection may still be eligible for a green card through a qualifying family relationship, but the path is narrower than for someone who entered lawfully. Often, the case requires a provisional unlawful-presence waiver (I-601A) and consular processing abroad. Under current law, adjustment of status within the United States is not available to most individuals who entered without inspection unless they qualify under a narrow exception such as Section 245(i). The firm evaluates eligibility for these options before making a recommendation.

Can I bring my fiancé(e) to New York?

Yes, U.S. Citizens can file a Form I-129F petition for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, which allows the foreign national to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married within 90 days. After marriage, the new spouse applies for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. The couple must demonstrate that they have met in person within the past two years and intend to establish a life together. K-3 visa processing for spouses is also available but is used less frequently today.

Do I need a lawyer for a family reunification case?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file a family-based immigration petition, but errors in the petition or missed deadlines can cause delays or denials that are difficult to reverse. An attorney can help identify the correct forms, gather supporting evidence that meets USCIS standards, and address potential inadmissibility issues before they become a problem. The firm offers consultations so families can understand their options before they decide how to proceed.

Speak with a Family Reunification Attorney

For questions about bringing a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to the United States, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Appointments are available by phone and in person at the firm’s New York location by appointment.

The firm’s New York location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. Serving families throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and all counties in the state.

Internal resources: Green Card Lawyer New York | Spouse Visa Lawyer New York | Adjustment of Status Lawyer New York

For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.