Immigration Lawyer Serving New York County (Manhattan), New York
Immigration matters for New York County (Manhattan) residents are governed by federal law under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and can lead to removal proceedings, unlawful presence bars, or deportation for aggravated felonies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for Manhattan residents facing complex immigration challenges, including family petitions, adjustment of status, and deportation defense at the New York Immigration Court.
Manhattan residents file immigration applications at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, with naturalization processing taking 8-14 months and removal cases facing backlogs of 2-5+ years.
Federal Immigration Law in Manhattan
U.S. immigration law is federal, meaning the same statutes and regulations apply in New York County (Manhattan) as nationwide. The primary law is the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.), implemented through Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). However, New York City has local policies, like Executive Order 41, that limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—a key local procedural fact for Manhattan residents.
Last verified: March 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Under N.Y. Bus. Corp. Law § 101, state law governs this practice area.
Official Immigration Resources
For the official text of federal immigration law, refer to the USCIS Laws and Policy page. For information on New York County courts, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Manhattan Immigration Process
Immigration cases for Manhattan residents are processed at the applicable USCIS Field Location. Most NYC residents file at 26 Federal Plaza. Removal proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or Varick Street.
- Determine your USCIS field office: Manhattan residents typically file at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. Long Island residents use the Holtsville office. Check your ZIP code.
- Prepare your application package: Gather required forms, supporting documents, and filing fees. Common forms include I-130, I-485, N-400, and I-751. Include evidence of eligibility.
- Submit to the correct lockbox: Mail your package to the USCIS lockbox address specified for your form type. Keep copies of everything and use tracking.
- Attend biometrics appointment: USCIS will schedule fingerprints and photos. This usually happens at an Application Support Center near you.
- Prepare for interview or hearing: For adjustment or naturalization, prepare for an interview at 26 Federal Plaza. For removal cases, prepare for hearings at the immigration court.
Immigration Consequences and Fees
In New York County (Manhattan), immigration violations carry federal penalties including removal proceedings, unlawful presence bars (3-year, 10-year, or permanent), and deportation for aggravated felonies.
| Application/Issue | Classification | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Key Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 Adjustment of Status | Application to Register Permanent Residence | $1,440 | Varies by category | Receive Green Card |
| N-400 Naturalization | Application for Naturalization | $760 | 8-14 months | Become U.S. Citizen |
| I-130 Family Petition | Petition for Alien Relative | $675 | Varies by relationship | Establish eligibility for family-based visa |
| Removal Proceedings | Deportation Defense | No filing fee (court) | 2-5+ years backlog | Defend against deportation |
| I-751 Removal of Conditions | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | $850 | Varies | Convert conditional Green Card to permanent |
Results may vary. Filing fees and timelines are subject to change by USCIS.
Our Immigration Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to immigration cases. Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. frequently consult Mr. Sris for insights on U.S. legal matters affecting Indian nationals.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Immigration Lawyer Near Manhattan
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines. We serve Manhattan neighborhoods including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common immigration issue for Manhattan residents?
Family-based petitions (I-130) and adjustment of status (I-485) are common. Manhattan residents file at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. Processing times vary, with naturalization taking 8-14 months.
How does New York City’s sanctuary policy affect my case?
NYC Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE detainers and enforcement actions. This can provide some local protection, but federal immigration law still applies for removal proceedings.
Where are removal hearings for Manhattan residents held?
Removal proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or the Varick Street Immigration Court. Cases face significant backlogs of 2-5+ years.
What are the filing fees for common immigration applications?
I-485 adjustment of status: $1,440. N-400 naturalization: $760. I-130 family petition: $675. I-140 employment petition: $715. I-751 removal of conditions: $850. Asylum (I-589) has no filing fee.
Can I get a fee waiver for my immigration application?
Yes, Form I-912 can request a fee waiver based on financial hardship. If approved, you pay no USCIS filing fee. Biometrics fees ($85) may still apply in some cases.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our New York Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Kings County (Brooklyn) and Queens County (Queens). In Manhattan, we also handle criminal defense and family law matters. Learn more about Mr. Sris or visit our New York office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.