Queens residents seeking an F4 visa for a sibling face a 13+ year wait under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1153). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles the visa petition process for Queens families. Mr. Sris provides case-specific guidance for sibling petitions. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Queens County Supreme Court | New York State Unified Court System
The F4 visa is the fourth-preference family-sponsored category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). It allows U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings (brothers or sisters) to obtain lawful permanent residence. The petitioner must be at least 21 years old. The category includes the sibling, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21. Annual numerical caps and per-country limits create significant waiting periods, particularly for high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines. A F4 Visa Lawyer Queens helps families handle the visa petition process from initial filing through consular processing or adjustment of status.
For the official statutory framework, see 8 U.S.C. § 1153 (INA § 203) — official U.S. Code. For New York State court information, visit the Queens County Supreme Court website.
In Queens, the F4 visa petition process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. The USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, handles initial processing for Queens residents. After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. consulate in the sibling’s home country. The key procedural fact: the priority date (filing date) determines your place in line. For siblings from India, current priority dates are stuck in 2004 — a 20+ year wait. For most other countries, the wait is 13-15 years. An immigration visa application lawyer Queens tracks priority date movement monthly and advises on strategies like concurrent filing when possible.
- Confirm petitioner is a U.S. citizen age 21 or older.
- Gather evidence of sibling relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates for both parties).
- File Form I-130 with USCIS along with supporting documents and filing fee ($675 as of 2026).
- Receive USCIS receipt notice and monitor case status online.
- After USCIS approval, case transfers to NVC for fee payment and document collection.
- Attend consular interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country.
In Queens, F4 visa processing involves federal immigration law — penalties for fraud or misrepresentation include permanent inadmissibility and removal proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration fraud / material misrepresentation | INA § 212(a)(6)(C) — inadmissibility | N/A (civil inadmissibility) | Up to $250,000 (criminal) under 18 U.S.C. § 1546 | N/A | Permanent bar from U.S. admission; removal proceedings |
| Marriage fraud (sham marriage to qualify sibling) | INA § 204(c) — petition revocation | Up to 5 years (18 U.S.C. § 1546) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility; criminal record |
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 amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating his deep understanding of statutory law. 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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. For Queens immigration cases specifically, Mr. Sris has assisted numerous families with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Queens County (Queens) courts. The NY location is accessible via I-495 (LIE), Grand Central Pkwy, Van Wyck Exwy, and BQE. We serve Queens neighborhoods including Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Rego Park, Elmhurst, Woodside, Corona, Rockaway Beach, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, and Fresh Meadows. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: Can I file an F4 visa petition for my sibling if I am a green card holder?
No. Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older can petition for a sibling under the F4 category. Lawful permanent residents cannot file sibling petitions.
Q: How long is the wait for an F4 visa from India?
It depends. As of April 2026, the priority date for India F4 is stuck in 2004 — a wait of approximately 20-22 years. For most other countries, the wait is 13-15 years.
Q: Does the F4 visa cover my sibling’s spouse and children?
Yes. The F4 visa allows the sibling to bring their spouse and unmarried children under age 21 as derivative beneficiaries on the same petition.
Q: What happens if my sibling marries while the F4 petition is pending?
It depends. If the sibling marries before the visa becomes available, the spouse can be added as a derivative. If the sibling marries after immigrating, it does not affect their status.
Q: Can I file an F4 petition if my sibling is already in the U.S.?
Yes. If your sibling is in the U.S. in lawful status, they may be able to adjust status after the priority date becomes current, rather than going through consular processing abroad.
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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.