Parent Visa Lawyer Serving Ontario County, New York — Family Reunification
A Parent Visa Lawyer Ontario County can help U.S. citizens petition for their parents to obtain lawful permanent residence (green cards). The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1151) and requires filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Statutory Basis for Parent Immigration Petitions
The legal foundation for sponsoring a parent for a green card is found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under U.S. immigration law, a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old may petition for a parent (mother or father) as an “immediate relative.” This category is not subject to annual numerical limits, which can allow for faster processing compared to other family preference categories. The petitioning process is detailed in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.).
Last verified: April 2026 | Ontario County Supreme Court | U.S. Code
Official Government Resources
For the official statutes and court information, refer to these .gov resources: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These sites provide the latest forms, filing fees, and policy manuals.
Procedural Steps for a Parent Green Card Petition
The process for a parent immigration petition lawyer Ontario County residents trust involves multiple steps with federal agencies. First, the U.S. citizen child files Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the qualifying relationship. Once approved, the case proceeds either through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status within the U.S. if the parent is already lawfully present. Each path has specific forms, evidence requirements, and potential hurdles like medical exams and interviews.
- File the I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen petitioner submits Form I-130, along with proof of citizenship and evidence of the parent-child relationship (like a birth certificate), to the appropriate USCIS lockbox.
- Wait for Approval: USCIS adjudicates the petition. Approval times vary. Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.
- Complete NVC Processing: Pay fees, submit the DS-260 immigrant visa application, and provide civil documents and the I-864 Affidavit of Support to the NVC.
- Attend the Visa Interview: The parent attends a medical exam and an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. If approved, they receive an immigrant visa.
- Enter the U.S. and Receive Green Card: The parent enters the U.S. with the immigrant visa. They become a permanent resident upon entry and will receive their physical green card by mail.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Parent’s 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 team understands the detailed evidence required for a successful green card for parents lawyer Ontario County clients rely on. We handle the entire process, from the initial I-130 petition to preparing for the final interview, aiming to avoid common pitfalls that can cause delays.
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While we actively handle immigration cases for Ontario County residents, each case is unique.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Parent Visa Lawyer Near Ontario County, NY
Our New York location serves clients in Ontario County and the Finger Lakes region. We represent clients at immigration proceedings and handle filings with USCIS and the National Visa Center.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, Seneca (NY), and East Bloomfield.
Frequently Asked Questions: Parent Visas in Ontario County
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. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for parents.
Where is the immigration court for Ontario County, New York?
Removal proceedings 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. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement.
How long does the parent green card process take?
It depends. Processing times vary based on USCIS backlogs, the parent’s country of origin, and whether they are adjusting status in the U.S. or going through consular processing. Current estimates range from 12 to 24 months or more.
What is the Affidavit of Support (I-864)?
It is a legally binding contract where the petitioner (and often a joint sponsor) agrees to financially support the immigrating parent, ensuring they will not become a public charge. This is a mandatory requirement for a green card for parents lawyer Ontario County cases.
Can my parent work and travel while their application is pending?
It depends. If adjusting status, they may apply for work and travel authorization (EAD/Advance Parole) after filing Form I-485. If undergoing consular processing, they cannot work or enter the U.S. until the immigrant visa is issued.
Related Legal Services in Ontario County
If you need other legal assistance, our firm also provides criminal defense and family law representation in Ontario County. For more immigration resources, visit our New York Immigration Lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.