Immigration Services

About the Program

Catholic Family Center has been providing Immigration Assistance since 1996.

Our Immigration team includes Department of Justice Accredited Representatives to provide counsel, intervention, and official representation on immigration matters.

During 2020, nearly 1,000 individuals were provided with assistance, including screenings and appointments for naturalization, family reunification, change of status, legal consultations, and work authorization applications.

What the Program Offers

CFC’s Immigration Assistance Programs currently offer the following services:

Citizenship & Naturalization

Assisting permanent residents in applying for naturalization and helping those preparing for citizenship to access civics and English classes through our agency.

Citizenship Classes & Citizenship Classes with ESL support

These classes are for any student, regardless of their level of English / ESL: from beginner, intermediate and higher levels

These classes are offered to assist individuals along their ESL and naturalization preparation journey. Classes are held each Monday and Wednesday 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, Monday and Friday 9:00 am-11:00 am.

How to register: Please call (585) 546-7220 extension 6112 email: SBanerjiKoppikar@cfcrochester.org.

Location: You may participate either online or join us at our 87 N Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604 location, next to the Rochester Transit Authority (bus station.)

Citizenship Preparation Classes (no ESL support)

A minimum intermediate level of English as a Second Language (ESL) is required to participate in these classes.

In collaboration with the Office of New Americans (ONA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we are pleased to offer support for individuals preparing for their USCIS interview for citizenship. Classes are held virtually on Thursday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 pm, and at the end of the series, each participant will have the opportunity to practice with a “citizenship mock interview”.

How to register: Please call (585) 546-7220 extension 4609, or email: glyzogubenko@cfcrochester.org.

Location: 87 N Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604, and online

Catholic Family Center is an Opportunity Center of the New York State Office for New Americans

In partnership with ONA, we offer free Immigration Law Consultations to provide you with professional help and guidance on how to deal with your unique immigration issue.

Please call 585-546-7220 extension 4609 or email immigration@cfcrochester.org to schedule an appointment or to get more information.

Reuniting Families

Assisting refugees with family reunification applications through a variety of refugee specific pathways including Affidavits of Relationship and I-730 (Visa 93/92) filings.

Green Card (Permanent Lawful Residence)

Assisting Refugees and Cuban clients to obtain lawful status based on USCIS qualifying factors

Journey’s End and Legal Aid Society Legal Consultation

Providing our local immigrant population with access to accredited representatives as well as immigration attorneys.

In collaboration with Journey’s End and Legal Aid Society of Rochester, we are pleased to offer free consultation appointments at our 87 North Clinton offices on the last Wednesday of each month, by appointment only.

How to schedule an appointment: Individuals may request an appointment by emailing immigration@cfcrochester.org , by calling (585) 546-7220 x4628

Where: consultations provided by phone ONLY
When: Last Wednesday* of each month (*once a month ONLY)
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cuban / Haitian Assistance

Brindar una gama completa de asistencia de inmigración a Cubanos y Haitianos, incluido el ajuste de estatus, autorización de empleo, tarjetas de residencia de reemplazo y reunificación familiar.

Providing a full range of immigration assistance to Cubans and Haitians including adjustment of status, employment authorization, replacement green cards, and family reunification.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility for services varies depending upon the specific immigration assistance request. For questions, contact our offices using the contact information provided.

Program Cost

Clients are responsible for payment as applicable for any filing fees required by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS), as well as for other costs associated with USCIS application or petition filings such as photos, translations, and mailing costs. Additionally, CFC’s assistance in completion of immigration applications may incur a service fee which is payable to CFC.

Our History and Accreditation

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. Our Immigration team includes Accredited Representatives authorized by the DOJ to provide counsel, intervention and official representation on immigration matters adjudicated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).