An F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings. In Oswego County, the visa petition process requires filing Form I-130 with USCIS. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists with the visa petition process lawyer Oswego County residents rely on. Current wait times exceed 13 years for most countries.
F4 Visa Definition Under Immigration Law
Last verified: April 2026 | Oswego County Supreme Court | 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4)
The F4 visa, also known as the sibling visa, is a family-sponsored preference category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It permits U.S. citizens aged 21 or older to petition for their brothers or sisters to obtain lawful permanent residence. The statutory basis is 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4), which allocates visas to the fourth preference category. This is distinct from immediate relative petitions (spouses, parents, minor children) which have no annual cap. The F4 category has a strict annual limit of approximately 65,000 visas worldwide, creating significant backlogs for high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Official Government Resources for F4 Visa Petitions
Review the official statute at 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4) (Cornell LII) for the complete text of the fourth preference category. For procedural guidance, visit the USCIS official website for Form I-130 instructions and processing times. The Department of State Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on priority date cutoffs for each country.
Insider Procedural Edge: F4 Visa Petition in Oswego County
USCIS processes F4 petitions at the service center level, not local field offices. For Oswego County residents, the Nebraska Service Center handles most I-130 filings. The key procedural fact is that the petitioner must prove U.S. citizenship and the sibling relationship through birth certificates or other primary documents.
- Confirm the petitioner is a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older.
- Gather birth certificates for both petitioner and sibling showing common parent(s).
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the Nebraska Service Center.
- Receive a priority date from USCIS upon acceptance of the petition.
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly for when the priority date becomes current.
- Once current, the sibling completes consular processing at the U.S. embassy in their home country.
F4 Visa Processing Timeline and Requirements
In Oswego County, the F4 visa petition process carries a current wait time of 13-20+ years depending on the beneficiary’s country of chargeability.
| Category | Current Wait Time (India) | Current Wait Time (Mexico) | Current Wait Time (All Other) | Filing Fee | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 Visa (Sibling) | 20+ years | 13-15 years | 13-15 years | $675 (I-130) | Affidavit of Support (I-864); Civil documents; Medical exam |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles F4 Visa Petitions
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris handles all immigration matters personally, including F4 visa petitions for Oswego County residents. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. For F4 visa petitions specifically, the firm has assisted numerous families in Oswego County with sibling visa applications, including cases involving priority date management and consular processing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
F4 Visa Lawyer Near Oswego County
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 Oswego County courts. Accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, I-390, Route 17/I-86. Serving Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski, Mexico, Central Square, Phoenix, Hannibal, Minetto, Sandy Creek.
F4 visa lawyer near Oswego County — we assist with sibling visa petitions for residents of Oswego, Fulton, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About F4 Visa Petitions in Oswego County
Can a U.S. citizen petition for a sibling in Oswego County?
Yes. A U.S. citizen aged 21 or older can file Form I-130 for a brother or sister. The petitioner must prove U.S. citizenship and the sibling relationship through birth certificates showing a common parent.
How long does the F4 visa process take for Oswego County residents?
It depends. Current wait times range from 13 to over 20 years depending on the beneficiary’s country of birth. India has the longest backlog at 20+ years. Mexico and all other countries average 13-15 years.
What documents are needed for an F4 visa petition?
You need birth certificates for both the petitioner and sibling showing at least one common parent. If the sibling is adopted, provide the adoption decree showing the adoption occurred before the sibling turned 16.
Where is the immigration court for Oswego County, New York?
Removal proceedings are heard 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. NY has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement.
Can a step-sibling qualify for an F4 visa?
Yes, if the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before the step-sibling turned 18. The petitioner must prove the legal parent-child relationship through the marriage certificate and the step-sibling’s birth certificate.
What happens if the petitioner dies during the F4 visa process?
It depends. Under the Child Status Protection Act, if the petitioner dies, USCIS may allow the petition to continue if a substitute sponsor is available. The beneficiary must have a qualifying family relationship with the substitute sponsor.
Related Legal Services in Oswego County
- New York Immigration Lawyer
- Manhattan Immigration Lawyer
- Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Oswego County
- Family Law Lawyer Oswego County
- Mr. Sris — Immigration Attorney Profile
- New York Office Location
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.