Orleans County sibling petitions under INA § 203(a)(4) allow U.S. citizens to sponsor siblings for green cards, with a current wait of 12-15+ years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for F4 visa petitions, consular processing, and waiver applications. Mr. Sris handles these cases personally.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orleans County Supreme Court | nycourts.gov
The sibling petition, also known as the F4 visa, is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4). This category allows U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old to petition for their brothers or sisters to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card). The process involves filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Due to annual visa caps, there is a significant backlog, particularly for applicants from countries with high demand such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines. A Sibling Petition Lawyer Orleans County can help you handle the complex filing requirements and long wait times.
- Determine your eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older.
- File Form I-130 with USCIS, including proof of your citizenship and your sibling relationship.
- Wait for USCIS approval (currently 12-18 months for I-130 processing).
- After approval, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fee processing and document collection.
- Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your sibling’s home country.
- Upon approval, your sibling receives a green card and can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
In Orleans County, immigration violations such as unlawful presence or misrepresentation can lead to removal proceedings, bars on re-entry, and denial of visa benefits.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Presence (180 days – 1 year) | Civil violation | None | None | None | 3-year bar on re-entry |
| Unlawful Presence (1 year or more) | Civil violation | None | None | None | 10-year bar on re-entry |
| Fraud or Misrepresentation | Ground of inadmissibility | None | None | None | Permanent bar; waiver possible (I-601) |
| Aggravated Felony | Criminal ground of removal | Varies | Varies | None | Permanent removal; no relief |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and is frequently consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. on U.S. legal matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This includes numerous sibling petition (F4 visa) approvals for clients in Orleans County and across Western New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Orleans County courts. The office is accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, and I-390.
Immigration lawyer near Orleans County: Serving Albion, Medina, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville, Ridgeway, Gaines, Carlton, and Yates.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: What is a sibling petition (F4 visa)?
Yes. A sibling petition, also known as an F4 visa, allows a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older to sponsor their brother or sister for a green card. The process involves filing Form I-130 with USCIS and waiting for a visa number to become available.
Q: How long does an F4 sibling petition take?
It depends. Current wait times for F4 visas range from 12 to 15 years or more, depending on the applicant’s country of birth. Countries with high demand like India, Mexico, and the Philippines have the longest backlogs.
Q: Can I file a sibling petition if I am a green card holder?
No. Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can file a sibling petition. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot sponsor siblings for immigration benefits.
Q: What documents do I need for an I-130 sibling petition?
You need proof of your U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of your sibling relationship (birth certificates showing at least one common parent), and evidence that you are at least 21 years old.
Q: What happens after the I-130 is approved?
After USCIS approves the I-130, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. Once a visa number becomes available, your sibling will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Q: Can a sibling petition be denied?
Yes. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence of the sibling relationship, the petitioner not being a U.S. citizen, or the sibling being inadmissible due to criminal history, fraud, or prior immigration violations. A waiver (I-601) may be available in some cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.