Sibling Visa Lawyer Maryland — How Can You 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 is governed by federal law under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.) and involves significant wait times due to annual quotas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is a Sibling Visa (F4 Category)?
The sibling visa, officially the Family Fourth Preference (F4) visa, is a pathway for U.S. citizens (petitioners) to sponsor their siblings (beneficiaries) for lawful permanent residence (a green card). This category is defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The petitioner must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen; lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for siblings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Maryland District & Circuit Courts (statewide) | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Official Government Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) on USCIS.gov. For current processing times and forms, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
The Sibling Visa Process in Maryland
Filing a sibling visa petition requires meticulous documentation and an understanding of the multi-stage process. The most critical local procedural fact is the extensive backlog; current wait times for an F4 visa can exceed a decade, depending on the beneficiary’s country of birth. An experienced immigration attorney can help ensure the initial petition is flawless to avoid costly delays or denials.
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen petitioner submits Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS with proof of citizenship and evidence of the sibling relationship (e.g., birth certificates for both parties showing at least one common parent).
- Wait for Priority Date: Once the I-130 is approved, a “priority date” is established. The beneficiary must wait for this date to become “current” according to the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- Complete National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: When the priority date nears, the case moves to the NVC for fee payment, form submission (DS-260), and civil document collection.
- Attend Consular Interview: The beneficiary attends an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Admission to the U.S.: If approved, the beneficiary enters the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Understanding the Timeline and Challenges
In Maryland, a sibling visa petition involves a multi-year, often decade-long, waiting period due to annual numerical limits and high demand.
The F4 category is subject to a per-country cap, creating especially long waits for beneficiaries born in countries with high demand like Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China. During the wait, the petitioner must maintain their U.S. citizenship and notify USCIS of any address changes. If the petitioner dies before the visa is issued, the petition is automatically revoked, with very limited exceptions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Immigration Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex immigration matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the significant importance of family reunification and provide dedicated, strategic representation for sibling visa petitions and other family-based immigration cases.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our immigration team has successfully navigated numerous family-based petitions, including sibling visas. While specific results depend on the unique facts of each case, our systematic approach focuses on building the strongest possible petition from the outset to avoid delays. We provide clear guidance on the lengthy process and requirements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Immigration Lawyers
Our Rockville location is accessible to clients across Southern Maryland. We serve families in Southern Maryland, Maryland Heights, and surrounding communities. As a dedicated sibling visa lawyer near Maryland, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sibling Visas
Can a green card holder petition for a sibling?
No. Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can file a petition (Form I-130) for a brother or sister. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) do not have this privilege under immigration law.
How long does a sibling visa take?
It depends heavily on the beneficiary’s country of birth. Due to annual quotas and backlogs, wait times routinely exceed 10 to 15 years or more. You can monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State to track priority date movement.
What happens if the petitioner dies during the wait?
The petition is automatically revoked. In very limited circumstances, a substitute sponsor or humanitarian reinstatement may be possible, but this is not guaranteed. This is a critical risk in the lengthy sibling visa process.
Can my sibling’s spouse and children also immigrate?
Yes. Derivative beneficiaries, including the sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21, are included in the petition and can immigrate at the same time, provided they are named and pass all required checks.
Do I need a lawyer to file a sibling visa petition?
While not legally required, an immigration lawyer provides crucial help. The forms are complex, the wait is extremely long, and a single error can cause years of delay or denial. Legal help ensures your petition is complete and compliant from day one.