Alexandria VA Sibling Visa Lawyer — How to Petition for a Brother or Sister
A sibling visa (F4 category) allows a U.S. citizen to petition for a brother or sister to immigrate. The process involves filing Form I-130 and handling long wait times due to annual visa caps. As an Alexandria VA sibling visa lawyer, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immigration help with family petitions and consular processing. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia Code
U.S. immigration law, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.), provides a pathway for U.S. citizens to sponsor siblings for lawful permanent residence. This is a family-based fourth preference (F4) category. The process is governed by federal statutes and regulations from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on detailed immigration casework.
Official Government Resources
- USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (official U.S. government site)
- Alexandria General District Court (Virginia state court website)
- Confirm the petitioner is a U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot petition for siblings).
- Gather proof of the familial relationship (birth certificates for petitioner and sibling).
- File Form I-130 with USCIS and receive a receipt notice with a priority date.
- Wait for the priority date to become current according to the Visa Bulletin.
- Once current, the sibling applies for an immigrant visa through the National Visa Center and consular processing abroad.
- The sibling enters the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
In Alexandria, a sibling visa petition requires meticulous documentation and patience due to multi-year wait times before a visa number is available.
| Visa Category | Who Can Petition | Typical Wait Time | Key Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens) | U.S. Citizen | 15+ years (varies by country) | I-130 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Alexandria Immigration Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to immigration matters. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, provides immigration consultation and is consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. on U.S. legal matters affecting Indian nationals. Our team understands the specific procedures at the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax and the Arlington Immigration Court, which handle cases for Alexandria residents.
Our firm provides dedicated representation for sibling visa petitions. While specific local case counts are not published, our firm-wide practice has documented 4,739+ results. We focus on building strong, evidence-based petitions to establish the qualifying sibling relationship for USCIS.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We are accessible for meetings by appointment and offer 24/7 phone consultations. We provide immigration help as an Alexandria VA sibling visa lawyer for families handling the lengthy petition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a green card cost?
It depends on the category. Government fees for a family-based green card include I-130 ($675), I-485 ($1,440), and biometrics ($85). Total government fees are around $2,200 before attorney fees. Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for eligible applicants.
How long does it take to get a green card?
For sibling visas (F4 category), wait times often exceed 15 years due to annual visa caps and country-specific backlogs. The process starts with filing Form I-130, then waiting for the priority date to become current before proceeding with consular processing.
What happens if I get a deportation notice?
Removal proceedings for Alexandria residents are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court. You have the right to an attorney. Options can include cancellation of removal, asylum, or appeal. An immigration attorney can assess your defense strategies.
Can a green card holder petition for a sibling?
No. Only U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 for a brother or sister. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for siblings.
What evidence is needed for a sibling visa petition?
You need birth certificates for both the petitioner and the sibling showing at least one common parent. If the relationship is through half-blood or adoption, additional legal documents proving the relationship under relevant law are required.
For more information, see our Virginia Immigration Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Alexandria. If you need an immigration attorney in Arlington, we can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.