Immediate Relative Petition Lawyer Serving Queens, NY
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. Filing errors can cause significant delays or denials. As an immediate relative petition lawyer in Queens, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Queens County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
What Is an Immediate Relative Petition?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines “immediate relatives” as the spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen. There is no annual numerical limit on green cards for this category. The process begins when the U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approval establishes the qualifying relationship, allowing the foreign national beneficiary to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad.
Official Immigration Resources
For the official law, refer to the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.). For court and processing information, visit the Queens County Supreme Court website.
- Consultation & Case Evaluation: We review your family situation, citizenship status, and the beneficiary’s immigration history to confirm eligibility.
- Document Gathering & Petition Preparation: We guide you in collecting required evidence (marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship, financial forms) and meticulously prepare the I-130 petition package.
- Filing & USCIS Communication: We file the petition with the correct USCIS Lockbox and manage all correspondence, including responding to any RFEs.
- Post-Approval Guidance: Once the I-130 is approved, we advise on the next steps—filing for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or proceeding with the National Visa Center for consular processing.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Immigration Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex immigration matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of family reunification and provide dedicated, case-specific representation for residents of Queens and across New York.
Our Approach to Immediate Relative Petitions
We provide full-service legal support for your I-130 petition. Our process involves a detailed review of your relationship evidence, careful preparation of all forms to avoid clerical errors that trigger delays, and proactive management of your case through USCIS. We aim to build the strongest possible petition from the outset to minimize requests for additional evidence and move your family toward approval efficiently.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Queens Immigration Lawyers
Our New York location serves clients in Queens County (Queens). We are accessible via I-495 (LIE), Grand Central Parkway, and the Van Wyck Expressway, near landmarks like JFK Airport and the Queens County Courthouse in Kew Gardens.
Service Areas: Queens (Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Rego Park, Elmhurst, Woodside, Corona, Rockaway Beach, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Fresh Meadows).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Immediate Relative Petitions in Queens
Where is the immigration court for Queens County (Queens), New York?
Removal proceedings for Queens residents are held at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. The USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications like adjustment of status.
What is the difference between an immediate relative petition and a family preference petition?
An immediate relative petition is for spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, with no visa backlog. A family preference petition is for other relationships (e.g., married children, siblings) and is subject to annual visa quotas and waiting periods that can last years.
Can I file an I-130 petition if my relative is in the U.S. illegally?
It depends. You can file the I-130 petition to establish the relationship. However, if the beneficiary entered the U.S. without inspection or has other immigration violations, they may be ineligible to adjust status in the U.S. and may need to process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which could trigger a re-entry bar. Legal advice is essential.
How long does an immediate relative petition take for someone in Queens?
Current USCIS processing times for I-130 petitions for immediate relatives filed by U.S. citizens vary by service center but often range from 10 to 18 months. After approval, the subsequent green card application (adjustment of status) adds several more months. Total timeline can exceed two years.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to file an I-130 petition?
No, it is not legally required. However, an experienced immediate relative immigration lawyer Queens can help avoid errors that cause delays or denials, properly assemble complex evidence, and handle issues like prior immigration violations or criminal history that complicate the case.
What evidence is needed for a spousal I-130 petition?
You need proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship, a valid marriage certificate, and extensive evidence of a bona fide marriage. This includes joint financial accounts, leases or mortgages, insurance policies, photos, correspondence, and affidavits from friends/family. The goal is to prove the marriage is real, not solely for immigration benefits.
Related Legal Services: If you need other assistance, explore our Queens criminal defense lawyer or Queens family law attorney pages. For more immigration resources, visit our New York immigration lawyer hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.