Experienced F4 Visa Attorneys in New York
Need Help with Your F-4 Visa Application?
The F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers and sisters, along with those siblings’ spouses and unmarried minor children, for lawful permanent residence in the United States. As part of the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category, this program plays a vital role in reuniting extended families separated by international borders.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York immigration attorneys guide families through the long and often complex F4 visa process. From filing petitions to preparing for consular interviews, our team ensures each case is handled with the accuracy and attention it deserves.
Contact us today at 646-374-3480, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar to learn more about how we can help.
What is an F4 Visa?
The F4 visa is part of the U.S. family-based immigration system designed to promote family unity by allowing U.S. citizens to bring their siblings to the United States. Unlike immediate relative categories, which have no annual limits, the F4 visa is numerically capped, meaning only a limited number of visas are available each year. This restriction has created a significant backlog in processing times, especially for applicants from countries with high demand, such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Despite the long waiting period, the F4 visa remains a powerful opportunity for families seeking to create lasting stability together in the U.S. With proper guidance and long-term planning, applicants can stay prepared for every milestone—from petition approval to final entry.
Our F4 visa lawyers in New York provide comprehensive support to help families navigate this process efficiently and effectively.
Who Qualifies for an F4 Visa?
Eligibility for the F4 visa centers on the relationship between a U.S. citizen and their sibling. The U.S. citizen must meet specific requirements and provide detailed documentation to establish the qualifying relationship.
To qualify for an F4 visa:
The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
The beneficiary must be the brother or sister of the U.S. citizen petitioner.
The relationship must be proven through birth certificates, adoption records, or other legal documentation showing a shared parent.
The U.S. citizen must reside in the United States or have a permanent U.S. address.
The beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify as derivative beneficiaries under the same petition.
The petitioner must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support using Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
At Sharma Law Associates, our New York F4 visa attorneys thoroughly review each family’s situation, ensuring that all eligibility requirements are met and that every document is prepared correctly before submission.
How the F4 Visa Application Process Works
Because the F4 visa category involves multiple agencies and a lengthy waiting period, it’s essential to understand each step of the process. Our New York F4 visa lawyers help families manage the journey from initial petition to final immigration with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The process begins when the U.S. citizen files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the sibling relationship. Supporting documents such as birth certificates and proof of citizenship must accompany the petition.
Step 2: Priority Date Assignment
Once USCIS receives the petition, a priority date is assigned to it. This date determines your place in line for a visa number. Because F4 visas are subject to annual limits, this date becomes crucial, as it determines when the case can proceed.
Step 3: USCIS Approval and National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
After USCIS approves the petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). Applicants must then submit the required forms, fees, and documentation, including civil records and financial evidence. The case remains at the NVC until the priority date becomes current.
Step 4: Waiting for Visa Availability
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows which priority dates are eligible for further processing. For the F4 category, the waiting period can span 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the applicant’s country of origin. Our attorneys closely monitor the Visa Bulletin and keep clients informed of any updates and progress.
Step 5: Consular Processing
When the priority date becomes current, the NVC schedules an interview at the appropriate U.S. consulate. The beneficiary and their qualifying family members attend this interview to confirm eligibility and admissibility to the U.S. Once approved, the immigrant visas are issued.
Step 6: Entry to the United States
Upon entry, the sibling and qualifying dependents become lawful permanent residents (green card holders), allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently.
At Sharma Law Associates, we guide families through each of these stages, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and procedural requirements.
Common Challenges in F4 Visa Cases
Due to the extended timeline and complex documentation requirements, F4 visa cases often face several challenges that necessitate careful management.
They include:
Extended waiting periods, leading to document expiration or communication gaps.
Changes in family circumstances, such as aging-out children or marital status changes.
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation during the petition or NVC stages.
Administrative delays at consulates or within government processing centers.
Visa retrogression, where previously current priority dates move backward.
At Sharma Law Associates, we identify and resolve these issues early, ensuring your family’s case remains accurate, active, and well-positioned for success when a visa becomes available.
Maintaining Eligibility During the Waiting Period
Given the F4 visa’s long processing time, maintaining eligibility is critical. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary must remain compliant with immigration and documentation requirements throughout the waiting period.
To maintain eligibility:
Keep contact information up to date with USCIS and NVC.
Ensure birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports remain current.
Notify the NVC of any changes in family composition, such as births or marriages.
Keep the financial sponsor’s documentation current for the Affidavit of Support.
Maintain communication between the petitioner and beneficiary to avoid lapses in correspondence.
Our F4 visa lawyers in New York provide long-term legal support, guiding families through document renewals, updates, and communication with immigration authorities throughout the waiting period.
Why Hire a New York F4 Visa Attorney?
The F4 visa process is among the most complex and time-consuming in U.S. immigration law. Working with an experienced F4 visa attorney in New York can make a significant difference in both the quality of your petition and the efficiency of your case.
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we:
Evaluate eligibility and prepare detailed petitions supported by substantial evidence.
Monitor visa bulletin movements and notify clients of any changes affecting their case.
Prepare all NVC submissions and guide families through consular interviews.
Address any issues related to delays, document updates, or eligibility changes.
Offer continued support during the years-long waiting process to keep your case active and compliant.
Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a client-first approach, providing families with confidence, clarity, and long-term immigration planning.
Speak With Our New York F4 Visa Lawyer Today
Reuniting with your siblings and their families is one of the most meaningful aspects of U.S. immigration law—but it requires persistence, patience, and precise legal guidance. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we are honored to help families achieve these reunifications through detailed, strategic representation.
Whether you are filing your initial petition or monitoring your case’s priority date, our team is here to assist every step of the way.
Call us today at 646-374-3480, contact us online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar to speak with an experienced F4 visa lawyer in New York and begin building your family’s future in the United States.