An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings. In Broome County, the visa petition process requires filing Form I-130 with USCIS. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles these family-based petitions for Broome County residents. Current wait times exceed 13 years for most countries.
What Is the F4 Visa Category?
Last verified: April 2026 | Broome County Supreme Court | Broome County Supreme Court website
The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4)). It permits U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers and sisters for lawful permanent residence. This category falls under the family-sponsored fourth preference (F4). The annual cap is approximately 65,000 visas worldwide, with per-country limits. Broome County residents filing for siblings must meet strict relationship and income requirements.
Official Resources for F4 Visa Petitions
Review the USCIS filing fee schedule for current I-130 fees. Check the Department of State Visa Bulletin for monthly priority date updates.
How the F4 Visa Petition Process Works in Broome County
Immigration cases for Broome County residents are processed at the applicable USCIS Field Location. Upstate NY residents file based on ZIP code. The New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza handles removal proceedings for Broome County residents.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
- Include proof of U.S. citizenship and sibling relationship.
- Submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, showing income at 125% of poverty line.
- Wait for priority date to become current per the Visa Bulletin.
- Complete consular processing at the U.S. embassy in the sibling’s home country.
- Attend the visa interview and receive the immigrant visa.
F4 Visa Processing Timeline and Requirements
In Broome County, the F4 visa petition process carries a current wait time of 13-22 years depending on the sibling’s country of birth.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $675 for Form I-130 (as of 2026) |
| USCIS Processing | 12-18 months for I-130 approval |
| Priority Date Wait | 13-22 years (varies by country) |
| Consular Processing | 6-12 months after priority date becomes current |
| Total Timeline | 14-24 years from filing to visa issuance |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your F4 Visa Petition?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally leads immigration matters, including F4 visa petitions for Broome County residents.
Case Results for Broome County Immigration Clients
SRIS actively practices in Broome County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
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.
Our NY location serves clients at Broome County courts, accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, and Route 17/I-86.
We serve: Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City, Vestal, Conklin, Chenango, Deposit, Lisle, Whitney Point
Looking for an F4 visa lawyer near Broome County? Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About F4 Visa Petitions in Broome County
Can I file an F4 visa petition while living in Broome County?
Yes. U.S. citizens residing in Broome County can file Form I-130 with USCIS for their siblings. The petition is processed by the USCIS service center serving your ZIP code. You do not need to appear at a USCIS office for the initial filing.
How long does the F4 visa process take for Broome County residents?
It depends. Current wait times range from 13 to 22 years depending on the sibling’s country of birth. Countries with high demand, such as Mexico and the Philippines, have longer waits. The Visa Bulletin determines when your priority date becomes current.
What happens if my sibling ages out during the F4 visa wait?
No. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect the sibling’s age if they were under 21 when the petition was filed. However, F4 visa petitioners must be siblings of the U.S. citizen — age-out rules differ from immediate relative categories.
Where is the immigration court for Broome County removal proceedings?
Removal proceedings for Broome County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement.
Can I petition for a half-sibling under the F4 visa category?
Yes. The Immigration and Nationality Act defines siblings to include half-siblings, provided the relationship is through blood or adoption. You must prove the qualifying relationship through birth certificates or adoption decrees showing at least one common parent.
What income do I need to sponsor a sibling for an F4 visa?
It depends. You must show income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. For a single petitioner sponsoring one sibling, the 2026 requirement is approximately $27,000 annually. You can use assets to supplement income if needed.
Does New York’s sanctuary policy affect F4 visa processing?
No. NYC Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE detainers but does not affect USCIS processing of F4 visa petitions. The F4 visa is a federal immigration benefit processed entirely by USCIS and the Department of State. Local policies do not impact federal visa adjudication.
Can I visit the U.S. while my F4 visa petition is pending?
It depends. A pending I-130 petition does not automatically bar entry, but you must demonstrate strong ties to your home country to obtain a visitor visa. Consular officers may deny a B-2 visa if they suspect immigrant intent. Consult an immigration attorney before applying.
Related Legal Services in Broome County
- New York Immigration Lawyer — Statewide immigration representation
- Manhattan Immigration Lawyer — NYC immigration services
- Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer — Kings County immigration services
- Broome County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Broome County
- Broome County Family Law Lawyer — Family law in Broome County
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile — Lead immigration attorney
- New York Office Location — Serving Broome County
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.