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F4 Visa (Family Fourth Preference – Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
The F4 Visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens to immigrate to the United States. Eligible applicants may also include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age as derivative beneficiaries. The F4 Visa provides lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status, helping families stay together in the U.S.
What is an F4 Visa?
The F4 Visa falls under the Family Fourth Preference category. It is designed for U.S. citizens who wish to bring their siblings and their families to live permanently in the United States.
Because of high demand and strict annual limits, the F4 Visa category has one of the longest waiting times in family-based immigration. However, once approved, it offers permanent residency and the opportunity for family reunification.
Why Choose an F4 Visa?
Brings siblings and their families together in the U.S.
Grants permanent residency to the main applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
Provides beneficiaries the right to live, work, and study in the United States.
Creates a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
Ensures long-term family stability and unity.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an F4 Visa:
The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (at least 21 years old).
The applicant must be a brother or sister of the U.S. citizen.
Proof of sibling relationship (common parents or legal adoption) must be provided.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must meet the financial sponsorship requirements.
The spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of the sibling may apply as derivative beneficiaries.
F4 Visa Process
Petition Filing (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen files the petition for their sibling.
USCIS Approval: Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Visa Availability (Priority Date): The F4 category has limited visas each year. Applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current in the Visa Bulletin.
NVC Processing: Submit required documents, affidavit of support, and fees.
Consular Interview: The sibling and eligible family members attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visa Issuance & Entry: Upon approval, the applicants enter the U.S. as lawful permanent residents and receive their Green Cards.
Documents Required
Proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioner (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate).
Proof of sibling relationship (birth certificates of both petitioner and applicant showing a common parent, or legal adoption documents).
Valid passports of all applicants.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Birth certificates of children (if applicable).
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
Financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, etc.).
Medical examination results.
Additional supporting documents requested by USCIS/NVC.
Timeline & Processing Time
USCIS Petition Processing: 12–18 months (approx.)
NVC Processing: 3–6 months
Visa Availability Wait Time: Often 10–15 years or longer (depending on the applicant’s country of origin and backlog).
Consular Interview & Green Card Issuance: 1–2 months
(The F4 Visa has one of the longest waiting times among all family-based visas.)
F4 vs. Other Family-Based Visas
F1 Visa: For unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens.
F2A Visa: For spouses and minor children of permanent residents.
F2B Visa: For unmarried adult children (21+) of permanent residents.
F3 Visa: For married adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens.
F4 Visa: For siblings of U.S. citizens (plus spouse and children).
How We Help
Our team assists families through every step of the F4 Visa journey:
Filing and tracking the I-130 petition.
Monitoring priority dates and Visa Bulletin updates.
Compiling and submitting strong documentation to USCIS/NVC.
Preparing applicants for the visa interview.
Providing continuous support until Green Cards are issued.
Why Choose Us for F4 Visa Assistance?
Experienced in handling complex family-based immigration cases.
Comprehensive support for both petitioners and beneficiaries.
Accurate document preparation to minimize errors and delays.
Guidance on priority date updates and backlogs.
Trusted partner in reuniting families across borders.