An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings. The visa petition process lawyer Nassau County handles requires careful documentation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide documented results across 4,739+ cases. Contact (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Immigration Court | Nassau County Supreme Court
The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4). It permits U.S. citizens aged 21 or older to sponsor their brothers or sisters for lawful permanent residence. The visa petition process lawyer Nassau County residents rely on must handle annual caps and priority date backlogs. The INA sets a worldwide annual limit of 65,000 family-sponsored visas for the F4 category, with per-country caps. Processing times often exceed 10-15 years due to high demand.
The F4 visa falls under INA § 203(a)(4), distinct from immediate relative categories (IR-1, IR-2) which have no annual caps. The F4 category requires a priority date — the date USCIS receives the I-130 petition. Your sibling’s country of birth determines the current priority date movement. For example, Mexico and Philippines have longer backlogs than most other countries. An immigration visa application lawyer Nassau County can check the monthly Visa Bulletin for your sibling’s specific wait time.
For official immigration statutes, see the USCIS I-130 Petition page. For New York court procedures, visit the Nassau County Supreme Court website. These .gov resources provide current filing requirements and fee schedules.
- Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. Include your birth certificate and your sibling’s birth certificate showing at least one common parent.
- Step 2: Wait for USCIS approval. Current processing at the NYC Field Office ranges 12-18 months for I-130 petitions.
- Step 3: After approval, the National Visa Center (NVC) processes the case. Submit Form DS-260 and pay fees. This stage takes 2-4 months.
- Step 4: Your sibling attends an interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country. The F4 visa interview typically occurs 1-2 years after NVC completion, depending on priority date availability.
- Step 5: Upon visa issuance, your sibling must enter the U.S. within 6 months. They receive a green card upon entry.
In Nassau County, F4 visa processing involves USCIS filing fees and potential legal consequences for misrepresentation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 Visa Petition (I-130) | Family-sponsored visa | N/A | $675 filing fee (I-130) | N/A | Priority date backlog; 10-15+ year wait |
| Visa Fraud/Misrepresentation | INA § 212(a)(6)(C) | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility; deportation |
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 firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legal experience. The firm provides full representation for Nassau County immigration matters.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span family-based immigration, deportation defense, and visa petitions across New York and other jurisdictions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Nassau County courts, accessible via I-495 (LIE), Northern/Southern State Pkwy, Meadowbrook, and Wantagh Parkways. We serve Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, and Syosset.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Yes. U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can petition for their biological or adopted siblings under INA § 203(a)(4).
Can a U.S. citizen petition for a sibling under the F4 visa?
Yes. U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can petition for their biological or adopted siblings under INA § 203(a)(4). The sibling must be a brother or sister sharing at least one common parent. Half-siblings qualify if the citizen parent is the common parent.
It depends. Current wait times range 10-15+ years due to annual caps and per-country limits.
How long does the F4 visa process take for Nassau County residents?
It depends. Current wait times range 10-15+ years due to annual caps and per-country limits. The priority date from your I-130 filing date determines your place in line. Countries with high demand like Mexico and Philippines face longer backlogs.
No. The F4 visa is only for siblings of U.S. citizens. Permanent residents cannot petition for siblings.
Can a permanent resident (green card holder) petition for a sibling?
No. The F4 visa is only for siblings of U.S. citizens. Permanent residents cannot petition for siblings. A green card holder must first become a U.S. citizen through naturalization before filing an I-130 for a sibling.
$675 for Form I-130, plus $325 for Form DS-260 and $220 for the affidavit of support fee.
What are the current filing fees for an F4 visa petition?
$675 for Form I-130, plus $325 for Form DS-260 and $220 for the affidavit of support fee. Additional costs include medical exams ($200-$500), translation services, and courier fees. Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income petitioners.
Yes. The sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany them as derivative beneficiaries.
Can my sibling’s spouse and children come with them under the F4 visa?
Yes. The sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany them as derivative beneficiaries. Each derivative beneficiary files separate DS-260 forms. Children must remain unmarried until visa issuance to qualify.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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Mr. Sris Attorney Profile — primary attorney for immigration cases.
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