What Is a Green Card and How Do I Obtain One?
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If you’re a U.S. citizen looking to guide a loved one on a path to permanent residency in the U.S., or you’re looking to obtain permanent residency yourself, our firm is here to help. For over a decade, Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. has been a steadfast legal advocate for immigrants from all walks of life, and we’re here to effectively represent you through the family immigration process as well. Contact a knowledgeable and dedicated Queens family immigration lawyer from our firm for an initial consultation today.
If you’re a U.S. citizen and you’re engaged to someone who lives abroad, a K-1 fiancé visa may be the first step toward building your life together in the United States. This visa allows your fiancé to travel to the U.S. for the specific purpose of getting married within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage takes place, your spouse can then apply to adjust their status and begin the process toward obtaining permanent residency.
At Monica Saran-Nace, P.C., we understand how stressful and overwhelming the K-1 process can be, especially when your future depends on a precise timeline and strict documentation. We’ll walk you through every phase, from gathering proof of your bona fide relationship to preparing your USCIS petition, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Married couples going through the U.S. immigration system often find themselves facing complex rules, unexpected delays, and paperwork that seems designed to confuse. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident petitioning for a foreign-born spouse, or you’re the spouse hoping to join your partner here, our firm is prepared to offer you clear guidance and firm advocacy every step of the way. The process begins with an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and, depending on your circumstances, may include consular processing or adjustment of status.
Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. takes pride in providing personalized legal support tailored to your relationship, because no two families are the same. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls, prepare for your visa interview, and ensure your case is built on solid legal footing. For many couples, marriage-based immigration is a doorway to security and stability. We’re here to make sure that door opens with as few barriers as possible.
Parent Visas
If you are a U.S. citizen over the age of 21, you may petition to bring your foreign-born parent or parents to live with you in the United States as lawful permanent residents. Unlike other family-based visa categories, visas for parents are not subject to annual caps, which means the process can often move more quickly than expected, but only if done correctly. From confirming eligibility to compiling the supporting evidence that proves your parent-child relationship, our team will handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on reuniting with your loved one. We also assist with related issues such as affidavit of support requirements and consular processing abroad. If your goal is to bring your parent home to you, we’re here to help you take that step with care and confidence.
Child Visas (IR-2, F-2A, F-2B)
Immigrating with or for your children is a life-changing journey that involves more than just paperwork, it’s about giving them a future filled with stability, opportunity, and safety. Whether your child is unmarried and under 21 (IR-2 or F-2A) or an adult son or daughter over 21 (F-2B), our firm will walk you through each step of the process. Each classification comes with its own timeline, evidentiary requirements, and strategic considerations, especially when children are close to the age-out threshold. Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. has helped countless parents through the challenges of derivative visas, custody documentation, and age-related cutoffs that can impact priority dates. Our commitment is to treat every case with urgency and respect, because we know your child’s future depends on it.
Sibling Visas (F-4)
Bringing a brother or sister to the United States is possible, but it often requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of the family preference visa system. Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older may petition for a sibling, and the F-4 visa category is subject to significant backlogs, especially for certain countries. However, the long wait doesn’t have to mean long confusion. Our team helps clients understand and prepare for the entire lifecycle of the process, from filing the I-130 petition and tracking visa bulletin movement, to handling updates in eligibility or family circumstances while you wait.
Stepchildren and Stepparents
U.S. immigration law allows certain stepparents and stepchildren to qualify for family-based visas, provided the marriage that created the step-relationship occurred before the child’s 18th birthday. These cases can sometimes be more complicated than traditional biological relationships, especially when dealing with blended families, past custody orders, or limited documentation.
That’s where we come in. We’ll carefully evaluate the timeline of your family structure, help establish the legitimacy and legal basis of your relationship, and ensure that USCIS receives a well-supported, clearly presented petition. We understand the unique dynamics that stepfamilies face, and we’re committed to making your path forward as smooth and successful as possible.
Widow(er) Petitions
Losing a spouse is an unimaginable hardship. If you were married to a U.S. citizen who has passed away, and you did not yet receive your green card, you may still be eligible to apply for permanent residence through a widow(er) petition, provided the marriage was bona fide and you file within two years of your spouse’s passing. These cases are understandably emotional, and they can be legally complex. Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. will help you compile the necessary documentation to prove the validity of your marriage, assist with the I-360 self-petition, and effectively handle any ancillary matters such as children’s derivative status. You deserve a path forward, and we are here to help you walk it.
Whether you’re looking to bring your fiancé to the United States prior to marriage or are hoping to become a permanent resident yourself, you can depend on our legal team to represent you. Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. has been a trusted legal resource for immigrants in Queens and throughout NYC for years, and we are here to help you, too. Contact a seasoned Queens family immigration lawyer from our firm for a case evaluation.
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