An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor siblings for a green card. In New York County (Manhattan), the visa petition process lawyer New York County must handle USCIS backlogs and strict eligibility rules. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides guidance on the immigration visa application lawyer New York County process. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York County Supreme Court website
The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). It 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. This category falls under the family-sponsored preference system and has annual numerical limits, creating significant wait times.
The F4 visa process is governed by the INA and Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.). Unlike immediate relative petitions (spouse, parent, minor child), the F4 category is subject to per-country caps. For New York County (Manhattan) residents, the primary USCIS filing location is the USCIS Chicago Lockbox, with adjudication at the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza.
Review the official statute: USCIS Family-Based Petitions (uscis.gov). For court procedures, see the New York County Supreme Court website.
In New York County (Manhattan), the F4 visa process requires filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. The petition must establish the sibling relationship through birth certificates or other acceptable evidence. After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for fee processing and document collection. The final step is consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country. New York County residents benefit from the USCIS NYC Field Office for certain case inquiries.
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility — Confirm you are a U.S. citizen aged 21+ with a qualifying sibling relationship.
- Step 2: File Form I-130 — Submit the petition with supporting documents (birth certificates, proof of citizenship) to USCIS.
- Step 3: USCIS Adjudication — USCIS reviews the petition; processing times vary by service center.
- Step 4: NVC Processing — After USCIS approval, the NVC handles fee payments, affidavit of support, and civil documents.
- Step 5: Consular Interview — The sibling attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Step 6: Visa Issuance & Travel — Upon approval, the sibling receives an immigrant visa and can travel to the U.S. to become a lawful permanent resident.
In New York County (Manhattan), F4 visa processing involves USCIS filing fees and potential consequences for misrepresentation or fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Fraud / Misrepresentation | INA § 212(a)(6)(C) — Inadmissibility | N/A (civil penalty) | Up to $10,000 (civil) | N/A | Permanent bar from U.S. entry; removal proceedings |
| Marriage Fraud (if applicable) | INA § 204(c) — Petition denial | Up to 5 years (criminal) | Up to $250,000 (criminal) | N/A | Deportation; permanent inadmissibility |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 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 (equitable distribution statute) and is frequently consulted by Indian Consulate officials on U.S. legal matters. The firm provides full representation in immigration matters, including F4 visa petitions, for New York County (Manhattan) residents.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York Location: Our NY location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. Accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Hwy, all subway lines, Lincoln/Holland Tunnels, GW Bridge.
F4 visa lawyer near Manhattan: Serving Manhattan (Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood).
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Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a sibling for a green card?
Yes, a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older can sponsor a sibling under the F4 visa category.
Yes, a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older can sponsor a sibling (brother or sister) for a green card under the F4 visa category. The petitioner must file Form I-130 with USCIS and prove the sibling relationship. The process involves significant wait times due to annual visa caps.
How long does the F4 visa process take for New York County residents?
It depends on the sibling’s country of birth and current visa bulletin priority dates.
It depends on the sibling’s country of birth and current visa bulletin priority dates. For countries with high demand (India, Mexico, Philippines), wait times can exceed 15-20 years. For other countries, the wait is typically 7-12 years. The priority date is set when USCIS receives the I-130 petition.
What documents are needed for an F4 visa petition?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship, the sibling’s birth certificate, and evidence of the sibling relationship.
You need proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or naturalization certificate), the sibling’s birth certificate showing common parents, and your birth certificate. If parents are different, additional evidence like marriage certificates may be required. All documents must be translated into English.
Can a married sibling be sponsored under the F4 visa?
Yes, the sibling’s spouse and minor children can accompany or follow to join.
Yes, the sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany or follow to join the sibling. The derivative beneficiaries are included in the same priority date. However, if the sibling divorces before visa issuance, the ex-spouse loses eligibility.
What happens if the petitioner dies during the F4 visa process?
It depends on whether a substitute sponsor is available under INA § 213A(f)(5).
It depends on whether a substitute sponsor is available under INA § 213A(f)(5). If the petitioner dies, the case may be revoked unless a substitute sponsor (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or sibling) can file a new affidavit of support. The beneficiary must also demonstrate humanitarian reasons for continuing.
Is the F4 visa subject to annual caps?
Yes, the F4 visa is capped at 65,000 visas per year worldwide with per-country limits.
Yes, the F4 visa is capped at 65,000 visas per year worldwide with per-country limits (7% of total family-sponsored visas per country). This creates significant backlogs for high-demand countries. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows current priority date cutoffs.
Can an F4 visa petition be expedited?
No, USCIS does not generally expedite family-based preference petitions like the F4 visa.
No, USCIS does not generally expedite family-based preference petitions like the F4 visa. Expedite requests are rarely granted for humanitarian reasons, medical emergencies, or U.S. government interests. The standard processing timeline applies, and early filing is the only way to secure an earlier priority date.
What is the filing fee for Form I-130 in 2026?
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 as of 2026.
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 as of 2026. Additional fees may apply for biometrics ($85) if required. Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for applicants who meet income guidelines. Check the USCIS fee schedule for the most current amounts.
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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.