1. What is the F4 Visa?
The F4 Visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings (brothers and sisters) for permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. The F4 Visa is part of the Family Preference Category, specifically designed for the siblings of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and unmarried children under 21.
Unlike immediate relative visas, the F4 Visa has annual caps, meaning there’s a limited number of F4 visas issued each year. This results in a significant backlog, so wait times for F4 visas can be long, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
2. Who is Eligible for the F4 Visa?
To qualify for the F4 Visa, both the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign sibling beneficiary must meet specific requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the U.S. Citizen Petitioner
- Must be a U.S. citizen (not a Green Card holder).
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must be able to financially sponsor the sibling and any accompanying family members.
Eligibility Criteria for the Foreign Sibling (Beneficiary)
- Must be the biological or legally adopted sibling of the U.S. citizen.
- Can be married or unmarried (spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the principal applicant).
- Must undergo required medical examinations and background checks as part of the visa process.
Note: This visa does not apply to siblings of Green Card holders; only U.S. citizens are eligible to sponsor under the F4 category.
3. Benefits of the F4 Visa
Obtaining an F4 Visa has several advantages, providing the foreign sibling and their family a pathway to permanent residency in the U.S. Some key benefits include:
- Green Card Status: The F4 Visa grants the beneficiary a Green Card, allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After obtaining a Green Card, F4 visa holders can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after five years of residency.
- Accompanying Family Members: The F4 Visa also allows the principal applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 to obtain Green Cards.
4. How to Apply for the F4 Visa
The F4 Visa application process involves multiple steps, starting with the U.S. citizen sponsor filing a petition and ending with the foreign sibling attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen must initiate the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Supporting Documents: Include proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate), proof of sibling relationship (birth certificates), and any other documents verifying the family relationship.
- Approval Notification: Once USCIS approves Form I-130, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), where it will be assigned a priority date.
Step 2: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
Due to the high demand for F4 Visas, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current. Priority dates are based on the filing date of the I-130 petition and the country of origin of the applicant.
- Visa Bulletin: The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin publishes monthly updates on priority dates by category and country. Applicants can track their progress to see when their priority date becomes current.
Step 3: Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
Once the priority date is current, the beneficiary can complete Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application.
- Submit Required Documents: The NVC will request additional documents, such as the applicant’s birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearance certificate, and passport copies.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): The U.S. citizen petitioner must submit Form I-864, showing that they can financially support the immigrant sibling and their family members to avoid public dependency.
Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview
After processing the application, the foreign sibling will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Medical Examination: The applicant must complete a medical examination with an embassy-approved physician before the interview.
- Interview Questions: The consular officer will ask questions about the applicant’s relationship with the U.S. citizen sponsor, their background, and their intentions in the U.S.
Step 5: Receive the Visa and Travel to the U.S.
If the visa is approved, the beneficiary will receive their F4 Visa, which is typically valid for six months. After arriving in the U.S., they will receive their Green Card in the mail within a few weeks.
5. F4 Visa Processing Time and Wait Times
The processing time for an F4 Visa is significantly longer than other family-based visas because it is subject to annual visa limits.
- Average Wait Time: F4 Visa wait times can range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the volume of applications.
- Country-Specific Variations: Certain countries with high immigration rates to the U.S., such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines, often experience longer wait times due to higher demand in the F4 category.
Tracking the Visa Bulletin is essential to staying informed about changes in processing times.
6. Fees for the F4 Visa
Applying for an F4 Visa involves several fees, including:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: $535 (paid to USCIS when filing Form I-130).
- DS-260 Visa Application Fee: $325 per applicant (paid to the National Visa Center).
- Medical Examination Fees: Varies by country.
- Affidavit of Support Fee (Form I-864): $120.
Additional fees may apply for document translations, passport photos, and travel to the visa interview.
7. Limitations of the F4 Visa
While the F4 Visa offers a valuable pathway to family reunification, it also has certain limitations:
- Long Waiting Periods: Due to annual limits, the F4 Visa category has one of the longest waiting times among family-based visas.
- Limited Employment Flexibility: While F4 Visa holders can work in the U.S. after obtaining their Green Card, the waiting period for initial entry can be lengthy, making it challenging for some applicants.
- Limited to Siblings: Only siblings of U.S. citizens are eligible for the F4 Visa. Other relatives, such as cousins or nephews, cannot apply under this category.
8. F4 Visa vs. Other Family-Based Visas
The F4 Visa is part of the Family Preference Visa system, which is distinct from Immediate Relative Visas. Here’s a quick comparison of family-based visa categories:
- Immediate Relative Visas: For spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. These visas have no annual limits and are processed faster.
- Family Preference Visas (F1 to F4): Subject to annual caps and longer waiting times. These visas cover adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens.
9. Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
Once F4 Visa holders obtain a Green Card, they can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Here’s how it works:
- Residency Requirement: Green Card holders must maintain U.S. residency for 5 years before applying for naturalization.
- Citizenship Application: After meeting the residency requirement, F4 Green Card holders can file Form N-400 to become a U.S. citizen and gain additional rights, including the right to vote and travel with a U.S. passport.
Conclusion
The F4 Visa offers U.S. citizens a valuable opportunity to reunite with their siblings and bring them to the United States as permanent residents. However, applicants should be prepared for long wait times and specific requirements during the application process. By following each step carefully and staying informed through the Visa Bulletin, you can navigate the F4 Visa process successfully and eventually bring your family together in the U.S.