An F4 visa allows a U.S. citizen to petition for a sibling under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1153). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. As a F4 Visa Lawyer Tompkins County, Mr. Sris handles the visa petition process for families in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region.
The F4 visa is a family-sponsored preference category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). This category allows U.S. citizens to petition for their brothers and sisters (including siblings by adoption or half-siblings) to immigrate to the United States. The petitioner must be at least 21 years old. The visa petition process lawyer Tompkins County residents rely on begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Once approved, the sibling waits for a visa number to become available based on the priority date and annual caps. The immigration visa application lawyer Tompkins County families trust can guide you through this multi-step process.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | Official Court Website
For the official statute, see 8 U.S.C. § 1153 (official U.S. Code). For court procedures, visit the Tompkins County Supreme Court website.
In Tompkins County, F4 visa cases are processed through USCIS, not local courts. The key procedural fact is that USCIS adjudicates the I-130 petition based on the relationship evidence. After approval, the National Visa Center handles the case before it goes to the U.S. consulate abroad for the visa interview.
- Step 1: Determine eligibility — the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen age 21 or older.
- Step 2: File Form I-130 with USCIS, including proof of the sibling relationship.
- Step 3: Wait for USCIS approval and a priority date assignment.
- Step 4: Monitor the Visa Bulletin for when the priority date becomes current.
- Step 5: Complete consular processing or adjustment of status if the sibling is in the U.S.
- Step 6: Attend the visa interview at the U.S. consulate abroad.
In Tompkins County, F4 visa processing involves no criminal penalties but carries significant consequences for errors: denial, delays, or permanent bars.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 visa fraud | Federal crime | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility |
| Misrepresentation | Federal violation | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Permanent bar from U.S. |
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’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 F4 visa petitions, family-based green cards, and other immigration matters for Tompkins County residents.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Tompkins County courts, accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, and I-390. As a F4 Visa Lawyer Tompkins County, we serve Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: Where is the immigration court for Tompkins County, New York?
Removal proceedings at New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications. NY has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS handles immigration for Tompkins County residents. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Q: How long does an F4 visa take for a sibling of a U.S. citizen?
It depends. Current processing times for F4 visas from many countries exceed 10-15 years due to annual caps and per-country limits. The priority date determines your place in line. Mr. Sris can help you file the initial petition and monitor the Visa Bulletin.
Q: Can my sibling work in the U.S. while waiting for an F4 visa?
No. The F4 visa does not provide work authorization during the waiting period. Your sibling must wait until the visa is approved and they enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Employment authorization is not available during the multi-year wait.
Q: What documents do I need to prove the sibling relationship for an F4 visa?
You need birth certificates for both the petitioner and the sibling showing at least one common parent. If the relationship is through adoption, provide the adoption decree. Marriage certificates may be needed if names changed. Mr. Sris can review your documents before filing.
Q: Can my sibling’s spouse and children come with them on an F4 visa?
Yes. The F4 visa allows the principal applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 to accompany or follow-to-join as derivative beneficiaries. They receive the same priority date as the principal applicant. Each derivative must meet admissibility requirements.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Immigration laws change frequently — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.