An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings for a green card. In Albany County, the process involves USCIS filing and National Visa Center processing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides guidance on the visa petition process lawyer Albany County residents rely on. The Immigration and Nationality Act governs this category.
The F4 visa is a family-sponsored preference category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically INA § 203(a)(4). This category allows U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old to petition for their brothers or sisters (including siblings through adoption or half-siblings) to obtain lawful permanent residence. The process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Last verified: 2026-04 | Albany County Supreme Court | Albany County Supreme Court website
Under INA § 203(a)(4), the F4 visa category has an annual numerical limit of 65,000 visas worldwide. Per-country caps apply, meaning siblings from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines face significant waiting periods. The priority date is established when USCIS receives the I-130 petition. Current visa bulletins show wait times ranging from 12 to 20+ years depending on the country of chargeability.
Review the official statute: USCIS Forms and Fees (official USCIS website). Check current visa bulletin: Department of State Visa Bulletin (official State Department).
For Albany County residents, the F4 visa process starts with filing the I-130 petition. USCIS processes these petitions at the Texas Service Center or Nebraska Service Center. After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fee processing and document collection. The final step is consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country.
- Step 1: File Form I-130 with USCIS, including proof of U.S. citizenship and sibling relationship.
- Step 2: Wait for USCIS approval (currently 12-18 months for clear cases).
- Step 3: After approval, NVC processes the case for consular processing (6-12 months).
- Step 4: Sibling attends visa interview at U.S. embassy or consulate in home country.
- Step 5: Upon visa issuance, sibling enters the U.S. and receives green card.
In Albany County, F4 visa processing involves USCIS filing fees, NVC fees, and potential legal costs. The I-130 filing fee is $675 as of 2026.
| Stage | Fee | Processing Time | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 Petition | $675 | 12-18 months | Proof of U.S. citizenship and sibling relationship |
| NVC Processing | $445 (IV fee) + $325 (affidavit of support fee) | 6-12 months | Affidavit of Support (I-864), civil documents |
| Visa Interview | $325 (visa issuance fee) | Varies by embassy | Medical exam, police certificates, interview |
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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally handles immigration matters, including F4 visa petitions for Albany County families.
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across all practice areas. In immigration matters, SRIS has successfully assisted clients with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, and deportation defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Albany County courts. The NY location is accessible via I-87, I-90, and I-787. We serve Albany, Colonie, Guilderland, Bethlehem, Delmar, Cohoes, Watervliet, Ravena, and New Scotland.
F4 visa lawyer near Albany County — serving all of the Capital District.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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How long does the F4 visa process take for Albany County residents?
Yes, the process takes 12-20+ years depending on the sibling’s country of birth. Current wait times for India-born siblings exceed 20 years. For most other countries, wait times range from 12-15 years.
Can I petition for my half-sibling under the F4 visa category?
Yes, half-siblings qualify if you share at least one common parent. You must provide birth certificates showing the common parent. Adopted siblings also qualify if the adoption occurred before the sibling turned 16.
What happens if my sibling marries while waiting for the F4 visa?
It depends. If your sibling marries before the visa is issued, they may lose eligibility. The F4 category requires the sibling to remain unmarried until visa issuance. Marriage after visa issuance does not affect status.
Can my sibling’s spouse and children come with them on the F4 visa?
Yes, the sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany them as derivative beneficiaries. They must be listed on the I-130 petition and will receive their own visas.
What documents do I need to prove the sibling relationship for an F4 visa?
You need birth certificates for both you and your sibling showing at least one common parent. If parents are different, provide marriage certificates. Adopted siblings need adoption decrees. All non-English documents require certified translations.
New York Immigration Lawyer — parent hub page for all NY immigration matters.
New York County (Manhattan) Immigration Lawyer — sibling locality page.
Albany County Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area for same locality.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.