Parent Visa Lawyer Manhattan — How to Petition for Your Parents
A Manhattan parent visa lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps U.S. citizens file I-130 petitions to bring parents to the U.S. for green cards. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1151). Our firm, founded in 1997, provides full representation for family-based immigration petitions in New York County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | U.S. Code Title 8
Petitioning for a parent is a primary path to family reunification for U.S. citizens. The I-130 petition establishes the qualifying relationship. Once approved, your parent can apply for an immigrant visa abroad or adjust status in the U.S. if they are lawfully present. A Manhattan parent visa lawyer guides you through evidence requirements, financial support forms (I-864), and potential delays.
Statutory Basis for Parent Immigration
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for family-sponsored immigration. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including parents, are not subject to annual numerical limits. This means no waiting for a visa number once the I-130 is approved, unlike petitions for siblings or married children. The key requirement is that the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. A parent immigration petition lawyer Manhattan can confirm eligibility and prepare the petition package.
Official Government Resources
For the official statute, see the U.S. Code, Title 8 (Aliens and Nationality). For forms and filing instructions, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Procedural Steps for a Manhattan Parent Visa Case
For New York County (Manhattan) residents, parent visa petitions are typically filed with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox or Phoenix Lockbox, depending on your state of residence. The supporting evidence must be thorough. Manhattan has specific local resources for document translation and notarization that can be utilized.
- Confirm Petitioner Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen over 21. Gather your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport.
- Establish the Parent-Child Relationship: Collect your parent’s birth certificate, your birth certificate listing them as parent, or adoption decrees.
- Complete and File Form I-130: File the petition with correct fees and all supporting documents to the designated USCIS lockbox.
- Respond to USCIS Requests: If USCIS issues an RFE, provide the requested evidence promptly with legal guidance.
- Proceed with Consular Processing or Adjustment: After I-130 approval, your parent applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad or files for adjustment of status (Form I-485) if in the U.S.
- Complete the Green Card Process: Attend the interview, submit the Affidavit of Support (I-864), and receive the permanent resident card.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm-wide practice has documented 4,739+ case results. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients in immigration matters. Mr. Sris personally oversees complex cases and maintains a collaborative approach with our experienced team.
Case Results
While specific counts for Manhattan parent visas are integrated into our firm-wide results, our approach has secured approvals for numerous family-based petitions. We focus on meticulous document preparation and proactive strategy to avoid delays.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Parent Visa Lawyer Near Manhattan
Our New York location serves clients at Manhattan courts and USCIS offices. We represent clients from 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Parent Visa & Green Card FAQs
Can I petition for my parents if I am a green card holder?
No. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can file an I-130 petition for a parent. Green card holders cannot petition for parents.
How long does it take to get a green card for my parent?
It depends. After I-130 approval, processing depends on whether your parent is inside or outside the U.S. Consular processing abroad can take 12-18 months. Adjustment of status inside the U.S. may be faster but requires the parent be in a lawful status.
What is the Affidavit of Support (I-864)?
The I-864 is a legally binding contract where the petitioner promises to financially support the immigrant parent. You must meet specific income requirements or use a joint sponsor. A green card for parents lawyer Manhattan can help assess your financial qualifications.
Can my parent work while the green card is processing?
If adjusting status in the U.S., your parent can apply for work authorization (EAD) concurrently with Form I-485. It typically takes several months to receive. If processing through a consulate abroad, they cannot work in the U.S. until the immigrant visa is issued and they enter the country.
What if my parent is in the U.S. unlawfully?
Consult a parent immigration petition lawyer Manhattan immediately. A parent who entered without inspection generally cannot adjust status in the U.S. and must process through a consulate abroad, which may trigger a bar to re-entry. Waivers may be available in certain circumstances.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Immigration laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
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