New Jersey F4 Visa Lawyer — How Can You Reunite with Your Siblings?
An F4 visa is for U.S. citizens to petition for their siblings to immigrate. This process involves strict USCIS requirements and long wait times due to annual quotas. A New Jersey F4 Visa Lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immigration help to handle this complex family-based petition. We handle the details of Form I-130 and consular processing to pursue family reunification.
What Is an F4 Visa?
The F4 visa category, established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), allows a United States citizen to sponsor a brother or sister for lawful permanent residence (a green card). This is a family-based, fourth preference immigrant visa. The process starts with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying sibling relationship.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS.gov
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, brings a detailed approach to immigration cases, ensuring each petition is prepared with care.
Official Government Resources
Understanding the official rules is important. You can review the Form I-130 instructions and resources on USCIS.gov. For visa bulletin updates that control F4 visa availability, check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
The F4 Visa Process in New Jersey
The F4 visa process has multiple stages and can take many years. After the I-130 petition is approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document processing. When a visa number becomes available per the Visa Bulletin, the sibling abroad attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen petitioner submits Form I-130 with USCIS, along with proof of citizenship and evidence of the sibling relationship (birth certificates for both parties).
- Wait for Petition Approval & Visa Availability: After approval, the case waits for a visa number. The wait can exceed a decade, as the F4 category has annual numerical limits.
- Complete National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once a visa number is near, the NVC requests fees, forms (DS-260), and civil documents from the sibling beneficiary.
- Attend the Consular Interview: The sibling attends a medical exam and an interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country. They must prove they are not inadmissible.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.: If approved, the sibling receives an immigrant visa, pays the USCIS Immigrant Fee, and enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Key Considerations for an F4 Visa Petition
In New Jersey, an F4 visa petition requires precise documentation and patience due to wait times that can extend over 15 years for some countries.
Beyond the basic steps, several factors affect an F4 visa case:
- Priority Date: The date USCIS receives the I-130 becomes the beneficiary’s “priority date.” This date determines their place in line for a visa number.
- Country-Specific Limits: No single country can use more than 7% of the total family-sponsored visas in a year. This creates longer backlogs for siblings from countries with high demand, like Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China.
- Aging Out of Derivative Beneficiaries: The children of the principal sibling beneficiary must be under 21 and unmarried to qualify. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help some children retain eligibility.
- Petitioner’s Obligations: While not legally required to have a specific income, the petitioner may need to file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) if the sibling will rely on public benefits.
Case Results and Immigration Help
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented history of handling family-based immigration petitions. Our team works to prepare strong, evidence-based applications to avoid requests for evidence (RFEs) and delays. We provide clear immigration help throughout the lengthy process.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
F4 Visa Lawyer Near New Jersey
If you need a visa lawyer for a sibling petition, our firm is ready to assist. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
We serve clients across New Jersey, including those near Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton. Contact us for an immigration consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the F4 visa process take?
It depends. The wait time varies by the beneficiary’s country of birth. After I-130 approval, siblings from the Philippines or Mexico may wait 20+ years for a visa number. Siblings from other countries may wait 15+ years. The Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates.
Can I petition for my half-sibling or step-sibling?
Yes. You can petition for a half-sibling if you share one biological parent. You can petition for a step-sibling if the marriage creating the step-relationship occurred before both of you turned 18. An immigration attorney can help prove these relationships.
What happens if I become a U.S. citizen after filing for my sibling as a permanent resident?
You should upgrade the petition. If you filed an I-130 as a permanent resident (F2B category) and then naturalize, you must notify USCIS to convert the petition to the F4 category (sibling of a U.S. citizen). This can sometimes slightly improve the wait time.
Can my sibling’s family come with them?
Yes. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of your sibling can receive derivative status. They will apply at the same time and can immigrate together, provided they meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements.
What if my sibling is in the U.S. illegally?
It depends. An F4 visa is for consular processing abroad. If your sibling is unlawfully present in the U.S., they generally must return to their home country for the interview. This may trigger a 3- or 10-year bar on reentry. A visa lawyer can advise on potential waivers.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your specific case.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.