An F4 visa under INA § 203(a)(4) allows U.S. citizens to petition for siblings. In Putnam County, processing takes 13-22 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides an F4 Visa Lawyer Putnam County to guide you through the visa petition process lawyer Putnam County requires. Our F4 Visa Lawyer Putnam County handles each step.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Putnam County Supreme Court | Putnam County Supreme Court website
Statutory Definition of the F4 Visa Category
The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4), allowing U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers or sisters. The petitioner must be at least 21 years old. This category has an annual cap of 65,000 visas, skilled to significant backlogs. The visa petition process lawyer Putnam County residents trust can explain the priority date system and how it affects your case timeline.
External Citation Links
USCIS Official Website — Check processing times and filing instructions.
Putnam County Supreme Court — Local court information for immigration-related matters.
- File Form I-130: Submit the Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS with supporting documents proving your U.S. citizenship and sibling relationship.
- Receive Priority Date: USCIS assigns a priority date upon acceptance. This date determines your place in the visa queue.
- Wait for Visa Bulletin: Monitor the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin monthly. Your priority date must become current before further processing.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once your priority date is current, the NVC will request the Affidavit of Support (I-864) and civil documents.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Your sibling attends an interview at the U.S. consulate abroad or, if in the U.S. with lawful status, files Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
- Receive Green Card: Upon approval, your sibling receives lawful permanent residence. The entire process typically takes 13-22 years due to annual caps.
In Putnam County, the F4 visa carries a 13-22 year wait due to annual caps of 65,000 visas. Filing fees include $675 for Form I-130 and $325 for the Affidavit of Support.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F4 Visa (Sibling Petition) | Family-Based Immigrant Visa | N/A | I-130: $675; I-864: $120; DS-260: $325 | N/A | 13-22 year wait; priority date backlog; possible visa retrogression |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results
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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York Location
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 F4 Visa Lawyer Putnam County serves clients in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. We are located near the Putnam County Supreme Court, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway) and I-84.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an F4 visa petition for my sibling if I am a lawful permanent resident?
No. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can file an F4 visa petition for a brother or sister. Lawful permanent residents cannot petition for siblings under this category.
How long does the F4 visa process take for Putnam County residents?
It depends. Current estimates show 13-22 years due to annual visa caps of 65,000 and high demand from countries like Mexico, Philippines, and India. Your priority date determines your place in line.
Can my sibling work in the U.S. while waiting for the F4 visa?
No. There is no work authorization available during the F4 visa wait. Your sibling must wait until the priority date becomes current and the green card is issued before they can work in the U.S.
What happens if my sibling overstays a visa while waiting for the F4 petition?
It depends. An overstay can trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar under INA § 212(a)(9)(B). A waiver (I-601) may be available if the overstay is less than 180 days, but legal guidance is strongly recommended.
Where is the immigration court for Putnam 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.