In Ulster County, the F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to petition for siblings under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1153). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A F4 Visa Lawyer Ulster County can guide you through the visa petition process lawyer Ulster County residents rely on.
What Is the F4 Visa Category?
The F4 visa is a family-based, fourth-preference immigrant visa category under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). It permits U.S. citizens (age 21 or older) to petition for their brothers or sisters (including siblings adopted before age 16) to obtain lawful permanent residence. The category has annual numerical caps, skilled to significant wait times — often 13–20+ years depending on the country of chargeability. The visa petition process lawyer Ulster County families choose must understand priority date tracking, consular processing, and adjustment of status procedures.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Ulster County Supreme Court | 8 U.S.C. § 1153 (official U.S. Code)
Official Government Resources
- 8 U.S.C. § 1153 — Allocation of immigrant visas (official U.S. Code)
- Ulster County Supreme Court — Official Court Website
How the F4 Visa Petition Process Works in Ulster County
- File Form I-130: Submit the Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS, establishing the qualifying sibling relationship.
- Priority Date Assignment: USCIS assigns a priority date (filing date). This date determines your place in the visa queue.
- Visa Bulletin Monitoring: Track the Department of State Visa Bulletin monthly to see when your priority date becomes current.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once current, the NVC collects fees, affidavits of support, and civil documents.
- Consular Interview: Your sibling attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Visa Issuance & Travel: Upon approval, your sibling receives an immigrant visa and enters the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
In Ulster County, the F4 visa process involves no criminal penalties but carries strict compliance requirements. Errors in the I-130 petition can result in denial, loss of filing fees, and years of lost priority.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Financial Impact | Immigration Impact | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 Denial | Petition rejection | No visa issued | Filing fee lost ($675) | Priority date lost; must refile | Appealable to AAO within 30 days |
| Misrepresentation | Fraud finding | Permanent bar (INA § 212(a)(6)(C)) | Legal fees + filing costs | Inadmissibility; waiver possible (I-601) | Extreme hardship required for waiver |
| Priority Date Retrogression | Visa bulletin backlog | Extended wait (years) | No direct cost; time delay | No action needed; wait for forward movement | Common for high-demand countries (India, Mexico, Philippines) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your F4 Visa Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to cross-border family reunification. Mr. Sris personally leads the immigration practice, handling complex I-130 petitions, consular processing issues, and waiver applications for Ulster County families.
Our Track Record in Immigration Cases
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific F4 visa results vary, our immigration team has successfully processed family-based petitions, adjustment of status applications, and deportation defense cases for clients from Ulster County and throughout New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York Location Serves Ulster County
Our NY location is accessible from Ulster County courts via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and Route 9. We serve clients in Kingston, New Paltz, Saugerties, Woodstock, Ellenville, Rosendale, Gardiner, Stone Ridge, and Marbletown.
F4 visa lawyer near Ulster County — we handle family-based immigration for Hudson Valley residents.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About F4 Visas in Ulster County
Can I file an F4 visa petition if I live in Ulster County but my sibling lives abroad?
Yes. U.S. citizens residing in Ulster County may file Form I-130 for siblings living abroad. USCIS accepts petitions regardless of the petitioner’s location within the United States.
How long does the F4 visa process take for someone from Ulster County?
It depends. Current wait times range from 13 to over 20 years depending on the sibling’s country of birth. For high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, backlogs are significantly longer.
What happens if my sibling marries during the F4 visa wait?
No. The F4 visa covers only the sibling. A spouse and minor children may accompany as derivative beneficiaries, but the sibling’s marriage after filing does not disqualify them — the spouse and children are included.
Can I apply for adjustment of status for my sibling if they are already in the U.S.?
It depends. Adjustment of status is generally not available for F4 visa beneficiaries who entered without inspection or overstayed. Most F4 cases require consular processing abroad unless the sibling qualifies under INA § 245(i).
What documents do I need to prove the sibling relationship for an F4 petition?
Yes. You need birth certificates for both you and your sibling showing at least one common parent. If parents differ, marriage certificates and adoption decrees may be required. DNA testing is sometimes requested by USCIS.
Can I file an F4 visa petition if I am a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)?
No. Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older may petition for siblings. Lawful permanent residents cannot file F4 petitions. You must naturalize first before filing for a sibling.
What is the filing fee for an F4 visa I-130 petition in 2026?
$675. The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is $675. Additional fees apply at the National Visa Center stage, including the affidavit of support fee and visa processing fee.
Can I check my F4 visa priority date status online?
Yes. You can check your priority date status using the Department of State Visa Bulletin published monthly at travel.state.gov. USCIS also provides case status updates online using your receipt number.
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.