A sibling petition (F4 visa) for Kings County (Brooklyn) residents allows U.S. citizens to sponsor brothers or sisters for a green card under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles these family-based petitions for Brooklyn families. Mr. Sris leads our immigration practice with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
What Is a Sibling Petition (F4 Visa) Under Federal Immigration Law?
A sibling petition, formally known as an F4 visa petition, is a family-based immigration process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(a)(4). This category allows a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old to petition for their brother or sister to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card). The petitioner must prove the sibling relationship through birth certificates or other acceptable evidence. The F4 category is subject to annual numerical limits, resulting in significant wait times — often 10 to 15 years or more for applicants from most countries. The petition is filed using Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Unified Court System (nycourts.gov)
The specific statutory authority for sibling petitions is INA § 203(a)(4), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1153(a)(4). This provision governs the F4 preference category for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Unlike immediate relative petitions (spouse, parent, minor child), the F4 category has no annual cap exemption, which creates the extended waiting periods. The USCIS Forms and Fees page provides current filing fees for Form I-130.
Official Government Resources for Sibling Petitions
- USCIS Official Forms and Fees (uscis.gov) — Current I-130 filing fee and processing times
- Kings County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov) — Local court information for Brooklyn
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing a Sibling Petition in Kings County (Brooklyn)
For Kings County (Brooklyn) residents, the I-130 petition is filed by mail with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox or online through the USCIS website. The USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan handles interviews for Brooklyn residents. New York City’s Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE, which does not affect USCIS processing but provides a supportive local environment for immigrant families.
- Confirm the petitioner is a U.S. citizen age 21 or older and the beneficiary is a biological or legally adopted sibling.
- Gather required evidence: birth certificates for both parties, petitioner’s U.S. citizenship proof (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate), and proof of relationship.
- Complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with accurate biographical information for both petitioner and beneficiary.
- File the I-130 with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox or online via the USCIS website, paying the current filing fee.
- Respond promptly to any USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and attend the scheduled interview at the NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza.
- After I-130 approval, wait for the priority date to become current under the Visa Bulletin before the beneficiary proceeds with consular processing or adjustment of status.
In Kings County (Brooklyn), a sibling petition (F4 visa) carries no criminal penalties but involves federal filing fees and potential consequences for immigration fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Fraud (Misrepresentation) | Federal violation (INA § 212(a)(6)(C)) | Up to 5 years (18 U.S.C. § 1546) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility; removal proceedings |
| Filing False I-130 Petition | Federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 1001) | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Petition denial; referral to ICE; potential deportation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Sibling Petition in Kings County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with deep experience in immigration law. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally leads the immigration practice, providing direct attention to each sibling petition case. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to serving immigrant families in Kings County (Brooklyn) and across New York.
Case Results for Sibling Petitions in Kings County (Brooklyn)
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific Kings County sibling petition results are not separately tracked, the firm’s immigration practice has successfully assisted numerous New York families with F4 visa petitions, I-130 filings, and consular processing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Kings County (Brooklyn)
Our New York location serves clients at Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. The NY office is accessible via the BQE (I-278), Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and the Belt Parkway. Extensive subway service (2/3/4/5/B/D/F/G/N/Q/R) and LIRR Atlantic Terminal provide transit access.
We serve all Brooklyn neighborhoods: Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sibling Petitions in Kings County (Brooklyn)
How long does a sibling petition (F4 visa) take for Kings County (Brooklyn) residents?
Yes, the wait time is significant. Current USCIS processing for I-130 petitions takes 12-18 months. After approval, the priority date must become current under the Visa Bulletin, which can take 10-15+ years depending on the beneficiary’s country of birth.
Can I file a sibling petition if my brother or sister is already in the United States?
It depends. If the sibling entered the U.S. legally, they may adjust status after the I-130 is approved and a visa number becomes available. If they entered without inspection, they may need consular processing abroad or a provisional waiver.
What documents do I need to prove the sibling relationship for an F4 petition?
Yes, you need birth certificates for both the petitioner and the beneficiary showing at least one common parent. If the parents are different, marriage certificates and adoption decrees may be required. Secondary evidence like school records or census records can substitute.
What is the current filing fee for Form I-130 in 2026?
Yes, the current filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 for paper filing and $710 for online filing as of 2026. Check the USCIS website for the most current fee schedule before submitting your petition.
Can a sibling petition be denied, and what are common reasons?
Yes, USCIS can deny a sibling petition. Common reasons include insufficient evidence of the sibling relationship, the petitioner not being a U.S. citizen age 21 or older, or the beneficiary having a prior immigration violation. An RFE response or appeal may be possible.
Related Legal Services
- New York Immigration Lawyer — Statewide immigration resources
- Immigration Lawyer New York County (Manhattan) — Serving Manhattan residents
- Immigration Lawyer Queens County (Queens) — Serving Queens residents
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn) — Criminal defense for Brooklyn
- Family Law Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn) — Family law for Brooklyn
- Mr. Sris — Immigration Attorney Profile
- Our New York Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS policies change frequently — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.