An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for siblings under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles the visa petition process lawyer Erie County residents rely on. Mr. Sris has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What Is the F4 Visa Category Under Federal Immigration Law?
Last verified: April 2026 | Erie County Supreme Court | Erie County Supreme Court website
The F4 visa is a family-based preference category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). This 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 relationship must be legitimate, half-blood, or adoptive if established before age 16. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes the initial I-130 petition. The National Visa Center handles consular processing for siblings residing abroad. Annual numerical caps create significant wait times for most countries. An F4 Visa Lawyer Erie County can help you prepare the required evidence of the sibling relationship.
External Citation Links for F4 Visa Law
Review the official statute: USCIS Forms and Fees page. The immigration court handling removal proceedings for Erie County residents is the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan. See the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) for court procedures.
- Determine eligibility: Confirm the petitioner is a U.S. citizen age 21 or older and the sibling relationship meets INA definitions.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS including proof of citizenship and sibling relationship documents.
- Wait for USCIS approval and priority date assignment. Check the Visa Bulletin monthly for your category and country.
- Upon priority date becoming current, the National Visa Center will request the Affidavit of Support and civil documents.
- Attend the consular interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country.
- Upon visa issuance, the sibling enters the U.S. and receives a green card within 60 days.
Penalty Table for F4 Visa Violations
In Erie County, F4 visa fraud or misrepresentation carries federal penalties including deportation and bars to admission.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Immigration Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fraud (8 U.S.C. § 1325) | Federal misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $5,000 | Permanent inadmissibility bar | Removal proceedings; criminal record |
| Marriage fraud (8 U.S.C. § 1325(c)) | Federal felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Permanent inadmissibility bar | Deportation; criminal record |
| Misrepresentation (INA § 212(a)(6)(C)) | Civil violation | N/A | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility bar | Waiver available under INA § 212(i) for certain relatives |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles F4 Visa Cases in Erie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally handles immigration matters, including F4 visa petitions. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex immigration cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” An F4 Visa Lawyer Erie County from SRIS can guide you through the visa petition process lawyer Erie County families trust.
Case Results for F4 Visa Petitions
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. An F4 Visa Lawyer Erie County can help you prepare a strong petition.
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 Buffalo location is accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway) and serves clients at Erie County courts. We serve Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, Hamburg, Orchard Park, Clarence, Lancaster, West Seneca, Lackawanna, East Aurora, Kenmore, Williamsville, and Depew. If you need an F4 Visa Lawyer Erie County near you, contact us for an immigration visa application lawyer Erie County residents recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions About F4 Visas in Erie County
How long does an F4 visa take for Erie County petitioners?
Yes, wait times vary by country. For most countries, the wait is 12-15 years due to annual caps. For Mexico and Philippines, waits exceed 20 years. Check the Visa Bulletin monthly.
Can I adjust status for my sibling in Erie County?
No, siblings cannot adjust status in the U.S. The F4 visa requires consular processing abroad. Your sibling must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
What documents prove a sibling relationship for an F4 visa?
It depends. You need birth certificates showing at least one common parent. If half-sibling, show the common parent’s birth certificate. Adoptive siblings need adoption decrees established before age 16.
Where is the immigration court for Erie County removal cases?
Yes, removal proceedings are 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.
Does New York’s sanctuary policy affect F4 visa processing?
No, NYC Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE but does not affect federal immigration petition processing. USCIS and consular processing operate independently of state sanctuary policies.
What is the filing fee for an I-130 sibling petition?
It depends. The current I-130 filing fee is $675 for paper filing or $535 for online filing. USCIS also charges $85 for biometrics if required. Fee waivers are available under I-912 for qualifying applicants.
Can my sibling work in the U.S. while waiting for an F4 visa?
No, siblings cannot obtain work authorization while waiting for an F4 visa. The sibling must remain outside the U.S. until the priority date becomes current and the visa is issued.
What happens if my sibling overstays a visitor visa while waiting?
It depends. Overstaying triggers unlawful presence bars: 3 years for over 180 days, 10 years for over one year. This can make the sibling ineligible for consular processing. A waiver under INA § 212(a)(9)(B) may be available.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.