F4 Petition Lawyer Serving Baltimore County, Maryland
An F4 Petition (Form I-130) is for U.S. citizens to sponsor siblings for lawful permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The process involves establishing a qualifying family relationship, managing a lengthy priority date wait, and handling consular processing. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for Baltimore County residents filing F4 Petitions and related immigration matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The F4 family preference category is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and its implementing regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). This federal statute establishes the framework for family-based immigration, including the annual numerical limits (quotas) that create waiting periods for siblings of U.S. citizens. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies deep knowledge of these complex federal laws to help families handle the multi-year process.
Official Immigration Resources
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS, including proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship and the sibling relationship.
- Receive a receipt notice and a priority date, which establishes your place in the visa queue.
- Monitor the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin to track when your priority date becomes current.
- Once current, file the immigrant visa application (DS-260) and complete the required medical examination and consular interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country.
- Upon visa approval, the sibling enters the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
F4 Petition Process and Timeline
In Baltimore County, an F4 Petition initiates a multi-year process for a sibling to obtain a green card, with current wait times often exceeding a decade before a visa number becomes available.
| Stage | Processing Agency | Typical Timeline | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 Petition Approval | USCIS | 6-12 months | Establish priority date |
| Visa Number Wait | Department of State | 10+ years | Monitor Visa Bulletin |
| Consular Processing | National Visa Center / U.S. Embassy | 12-18 months after priority date is current | Medical exam, interview, visa issuance |
| U.S. Admission | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Upon visa issuance | Become lawful permanent resident |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Immigration Practice
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has a documented record of firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our team handles the full spectrum of family-based immigration, including complex F4 Petitions for siblings. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all immigration matters, ensuring each case receives meticulous attention to procedural details and long-term timeline management.
Case Results in Maryland
Our firm actively practices in Maryland immigration courts. While specific F4 Petition approvals are confidential immigration benefits, our broader immigration practice demonstrates our capability. For example, we have secured favorable outcomes in related family-based and humanitarian cases, including approvals for I-130 petitions, adjustments of status, and successful defenses in removal proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our F4 Petition Lawyer
Our Maryland location serves clients in Baltimore County. We are accessible via I-695, I-83, and I-95. We represent clients from Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location (By appointment only)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Looking for an affordable f4 petition lawyer Baltimore residents can consult? Contact us to discuss your sibling immigration case.
F4 Petition FAQs for Baltimore County
Where is the USCIS office for Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Immigration applications for Baltimore County residents are processed at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office at Fallon Federal Building, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201. Removal proceedings are at Baltimore Immigration Court. SRIS handles all immigration matters for Maryland residents.
How long does an F4 Petition take for a sibling?
It depends. After USCIS approves the I-130 petition (6-12 months), siblings face a visa backlog. Current wait times often exceed 10 years before a visa number is available. The subsequent consular processing takes 12-18 months. An experienced F4 Petition lawyer Baltimore can help manage this lengthy process.
What are the main requirements for an F4 Petition?
Three primary requirements: 1) The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. 2) You must provide proof of a qualifying sibling relationship (birth certificates for both parties). 3) The petitioner must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sibling (file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support).
Can I check my F4 Petition priority date status?
Yes. You can check the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. Your priority date is on the I-797 receipt notice from USCIS. When the “Final Action Date” for the F4 category in your sibling’s country of chargeability is on or after your priority date, a visa is available.
What happens after the F4 Petition visa is approved?
After the consular interview and visa approval, your sibling will receive an immigrant visa packet. They must enter the United States before the visa expiration date. Upon entry, they become a lawful permanent resident and will receive their green card by mail.
For more information, see our Maryland Immigration Lawyer hub page. Residents may also consult our pages for Montgomery County or Prince George’s County. For other legal needs in Baltimore County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or Family Law Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.