New York Family Immigration Attorneys

Marriage & Family-Based Petitions in Nassau County 

To lawfully, and permanently reside in the United States, it is first necessary to become a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR), or "Green Card" holder as it is known.

"Green Card" holders can live anywhere in the U.S., work most jobs, and after a certain period of time, can apply for citizenship through the naturalization process. While there are numerous paths to Legal Permanent Residence and issuance of a "Green Card", many people obtain their "Green Cards" through family immigration, a process where current U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor qualifying loved ones.

Many people are of the mistaken opinion that immigration law simply requires the filling out of paperwork. This cannot be further from the truth. Immigration law is a complex area of practice that requires knowledge and experience of which forms to file, whether a person is eligible at all, and whether any waivers or FOIA requests are necessary. Additionally, the inclusion of appropriate supporting documentation is always imperative. It is prudent to be very wary of someone who tells you, they can get you a work permit, without more explanation. This is a common way that we have seen immigrants scammed in the past. Be sure to ask to see proof that they are a licensed attorney in the United States. 

At Mazzei & Polk, LLC, we understand the challenges you may experience on your immigration journey. We know the emotional toll, and have the legal resources to help make the process as painless as possible. Our team can determine whether you or your loved ones qualify for family or marriage-based petitions and can assist you with the preparation of your application. Your family’s future in the United States is important to us, and we will be by your side every step of the way.

Call (516) 461-3148 or contact us online to request an initial consultation with our New York family immigration lawyers.

Who Qualifies for Family Immigration?

Family immigration involves the sponsorship of a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident ("Green Card" holder) of certain family members. The processing times and the eligibility change depending upon the immigration status of the petitioner. 

There are two categories of family immigration: Immediate Relatives, and Family Preference Categories. 

1. Immediate Relatives: These are spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children of U.S. citizens under the age of 21 years, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.  This category receives priority over all other categories of family immigration and there is no yearly limit to the number of visas that can be issued under this category.
2. Family Preference Category: This category is for certain relatives who do not qualify under the immediate relative category and is subject to annual numerical limitations on the visas, resulting in sometimes very lengthy wait times which can vary depending upon the applicant’s home country and relationship to the petitioner. The following is a list of family preference categories: 

• First preference (F1) - unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens;
• Second preference (F2A) - spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents;
• Second preference (F2B) - unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents;
• Third preference (F3) - married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
• Fourth preference (F4) - brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older). 

Distant relatives, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and grandchildren, are not eligible under any of the above categories. If you are not sure whether you or a loved one qualifies, our attorneys can assess your case and walk you through potential options.