An F4 visa (sibling petition) allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor a brother or sister for a green card under INA § 203(a)(4). The Bronx has a large immigrant community, and a F4 Visa Lawyer Bronx can help you through the multi-year process. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4), the F4 visa category permits 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 sibling must be unmarried or married — the category includes the sibling’s spouse and minor children as derivative beneficiaries. Annual visa caps and per-country limits create significant wait times, often exceeding a decade for applicants from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines. The visa petition process lawyer Bronx must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS, then the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing abroad.
Last verified: 2026-04 | USCIS NYC Field Office | USCIS official website
Review the official statute: 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4) — INA § 203(a)(4) (official U.S. Code). For court procedures, visit the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website.
In the Bronx, USCIS processes I-130 petitions at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan. The immigration visa application lawyer Bronx must ensure all supporting documents — birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship — are translated and certified. The NVC stage requires an Affidavit of Support (I-864) showing the petitioner’s income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Consular processing occurs at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country.
- File Form I-130 with USCIS, including proof of your U.S. citizenship and your sibling’s birth certificate.
- Receive a priority date from USCIS, which determines your place in the visa queue.
- Wait for the priority date to become current under the Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State.
- Once current, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document collection and fee payment.
- Attend the visa interview at the U.S. consulate in your sibling’s home country.
- Upon approval, your sibling receives an immigrant visa and can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
In the Bronx, F4 visa processing involves federal immigration law. Filing errors or misrepresentation can lead to denial, visa revocation, or inadmissibility under INA § 212(a)(6)(C).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filing false I-130 petition | Fraud/misrepresentation | Up to 5 years (18 U.S.C. § 1546) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Inadmissibility, deportation, permanent bar |
| Marriage fraud for visa | Federal felony | Up to 5 years | 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. Mr. Sris personally leads the immigration practice, bringing deep knowledge of family-based visa petitions, consular processing, and deportation defense. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This includes numerous family-based visa petitions, adjustment of status cases, and deportation defense matters across New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Bronx County courts and USCIS offices. The location is accessible via I-87 (Major Deegan Expressway), I-95 (Cross Bronx Expressway), and multiple subway lines (B, D, 4, 5, 6 trains).
F4 visa lawyer near the Bronx — serving all Bronx neighborhoods including Fordham, Riverdale, Pelham Bay, Throgs Neck, Morris Park, and Kingsbridge.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
How long does an F4 visa take for a sibling from the Bronx?
Yes, wait times vary by country. For high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, the wait can exceed 15-20 years. For other countries, it may be 7-12 years.
Can my sibling’s spouse and children come with them on an F4 visa?
Yes, the F4 visa allows derivative beneficiaries. Your sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can obtain green cards alongside your sibling.
What happens if my sibling gets married after I file the I-130?
It depends. If your sibling marries after the I-130 is approved, the marriage does not invalidate the petition. Their spouse can be added as a derivative beneficiary during consular processing.
Do I need to show income to sponsor my sibling?
Yes, you must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) showing income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. If your income is insufficient, you can use a joint sponsor.
Where does my sibling apply for the F4 visa?
Your sibling applies at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The National Visa Center (NVC) handles document processing before the interview.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS processing times change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.