Can NYC Immigrants Apply for a Green Card Through Family Sponsorship?

There are many different ways that immigrants can apply for a visa and/or green card. Every situation is different, and it’s important to have the right kind of legal representation that can help you through your specific case. You may be asking yourself, “Can NYC immigrants apply for a green card through family sponsorship?” Depending on your specific circumstances, this can be a viable avenue for pursuing a green card application and securing permanent U.S. residency.

Can NYC Immigrants Apply for a Green Card Through Family Sponsorship?

Yes, NYC immigrants can apply for a green card through family sponsorship. However, in order to accomplish this, they must have a qualifying relative who is already a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident with a valid green card. The application process involves these steps:

• First, you have to file the right paperwork. For a family-sponsored green card, you will need to fill out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the USCIS. An immigration lawyer can help you fill this form out correctly and translate it for you if applicable.
• Next, you will need to provide proof of your relative’s U.S. citizenship or lawful residency. Proof can be a valid passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a citizenship certificate.
• You will then need to submit evidence of your relationship to said relative. This evidence generally takes the form of a birth or marriage certificate.
• The relative who is sponsoring you must also fill out the proper paperwork, mainly Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form demonstrates that the relative has the means to financially support you.
• Once the forms have been approved, you can then apply for your green card. Sometimes, family-sponsored green card applications can take longer to process than cases involving immediate relatives.

Throughout your case, it may be important for you to secure legal representation to help you navigate every element of your case. If you have never done this before, the entire process can be overwhelming and confusing. Having an immigration attorney by your side can make things easier for you, especially someone with considerable experience handling immigration cases like yours and a focused knowledge of NYC immigration laws that apply to your case. Our firm can help.

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

There are many significant reasons to hire an immigration lawyer. First and foremost, when you are applying for a green card or a visa, you shouldn’t take any chances with your application, since these petitions can sometimes take years to finalize. The legal team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco understands the difficulties ahead and can provide you with the resources you need. Our team is fluent in many different languages and is ready to prioritize your case.

It may be important for you to understand that your case is not unique. According to recent statistical data from the Department of State, there were over 205,000 immigrant visas with family-sponsored preference issued in 2024. This was a significant increase from 2023, which saw over 194,000 family-sponsored visas issued. If you are attempting to secure a green card through family sponsorship, contact an immigration lawyer for help with your case.

The legal team at PPID is dedicated to helping people with family reunification and keeping family members together. Our compassionate attorneys have been helping people for over 60 years, and we are one of the oldest immigration law firms in New York. We speak many different languages, so language is never a barrier to getting the assistance you need with your immigration case.

FAQs

Q: How Can I Get a Green Card Through Family Sponsorship?

A: If you are interested in getting a green card through family sponsorship, you should contact a lawyer and start working on the right paperwork. If you don’t file the correct paperwork, your application may not be processed at all. Your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative needs to fill out a form on your behalf and prove their relationship to you. Once that’s approved, you can file for a green card with family sponsorship backing you up.

Q: What Is the Fastest Way for an Immigrant to Get a Green Card?

A: While the green card application process can take a long time, depending on the case at hand, the fastest version is generally the immediate relative route. This is applicable for close family members of U.S. citizens, namely spouses, children, and parents. Immediate relative petitions have no annual limits. While there are never any guarantees that your application will be processed quickly, these petitions can sometimes move through the system faster. However, every case is unique, with a different timeline involved.

Q: Who Is Eligible for Green Card Sponsorship?

A: Generally, if you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident with a green card, you can be eligible for green card sponsorship. Citizens can sponsor their immigrant spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents if the citizen is 21 years old or older, and siblings if the citizen is 21 years old or older. Residents can only sponsor parents or unmarried children.

Q: How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help My Case?

A: There are many different ways an immigration lawyer can help your case. Immigration cases can get complicated, emotional, and overwhelming, especially if you are trying to navigate them alone without legal support. An immigration lawyer can help you determine the most effective course of action for your case and make sure nobody tries to take advantage of your position. The right lawyer’s help can often mean the difference between success and failure with your green card application.

Reach Out to an Immigration Lawyer Today

At Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, we understand how complex these cases can become. Our compassionate and effective legal team can provide you with the resources to pursue what you need. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team about how we can help.

About The Author

Conrad E. Pollack

Conrad E. Pollack is the Managing Partner and Director of Immigration at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. With over three decades of experience in immigration law, Conrad has helped countless clients achieve their American Dream. Under his leadership, PPID has expanded significantly, opening new offices in Peekskill and Brooklyn, NY. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized for his professional excellence with numerous awards and distinctions. Education: Magna Cum Laude graduate from New York University; J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. Awards: Recipient of numerous professional excellence awards. Memberships: Active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

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