The F4 Visa is a family preference immigrant visa that allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings for permanent residency in the United States. As part of the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category, this visa is designed for the siblings, along with their spouses and minor children, of U.S. citizens who wish to immigrate to the U.S. for a long-term stay. This guide explains the eligibility requirements, application process, and key steps involved in applying for an F4 Visa.
1. What is the F4 Visa?
The F4 Visa is a U.S. family-based immigrant visa for siblings of U.S. citizens. This visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their foreign-born brothers or sisters to live and work permanently in the United States. Eligible F4 visa holders can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Key Benefits:
- Provides permanent residency (Green Card) for siblings of U.S. citizens
- Allows the principal F4 visa holder’s spouse and children (under 21) to join them in the U.S.
- Opens a pathway to eventual U.S. citizenship
2. Eligibility Requirements for the F4 Visa
To qualify for the F4 Visa, both the U.S. citizen sponsor and their sibling must meet specific criteria.
A. Sponsor Requirements
The U.S. citizen sponsor must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders cannot sponsor siblings)
- Have proof of the sibling relationship (e.g., birth certificates showing common parents)
- Be able to provide financial support for the sibling if necessary, using Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
B. Applicant Requirements (Sibling)
The sibling seeking the F4 Visa must:
- Be a foreign national and biological, half, or adoptive sibling of the U.S. citizen sponsor
- Not have committed any crimes that would make them inadmissible to the U.S.
- Not be barred from entering the U.S. due to other immigration or legal issues
The F4 Visa also covers the spouse and minor children of the sponsored sibling, allowing the entire family unit to immigrate to the U.S.
3. Application Process for the F4 Visa
The F4 Visa application process involves multiple steps and can take several years due to annual limits on family preference visas. Here’s an overview of the main steps:
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen sponsor must begin by submitting Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the sibling relationship and starts the visa process.
- Supporting Documents: Include proof of U.S. citizenship, birth certificates of both siblings showing common parents, and any additional relationship evidence.
- Filing Fee: The current filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
Once submitted, USCIS will assign a priority date, which acts as the applicant’s “place in line” for the visa.
Step 2: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
Family Fourth Preference (F4) visas are subject to annual limits, so applicants must wait for their priority date to become current, which can take several years. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides updates on current priority dates.
Step 3: Apply for the F4 Visa Through the National Visa Center (NVC)
When the priority date becomes current, USCIS forwards the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which processes the visa application.
- Complete Form DS-260: This immigrant visa application form must be completed online, with biographical details and additional information about the applicant.
- Submit Required Documents: Applicants need to submit civil documents (e.g., passports, police certificates, birth and marriage certificates) and financial documents, including Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from the U.S. sponsor.
- Pay Fees: The immigrant visa application fee is $325 per applicant, plus any additional fees as needed.
Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
The NVC will schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, applicants must provide their original documents, medical examination results, and any additional requested information.
- Medical Examination: A medical exam is required from an embassy-approved physician to verify that the applicant meets health standards.
- Interview Questions: The consular officer will ask questions about the relationship with the U.S. citizen sponsor, the applicant’s background, and future plans in the U.S.
Step 5: Receive Visa Approval and Travel to the U.S.
If the interview is successful, the applicant’s passport will be stamped with the F4 immigrant visa, allowing them to travel to the U.S.
- Upon Entry: When entering the U.S., applicants receive a stamp in their passport granting them lawful permanent resident status. Their Green Card will be mailed to their U.S. address shortly after arrival.
4. F4 Visa Processing Time
Processing times for the F4 Visa vary greatly because of the annual cap on Family Fourth Preference visas. Due to high demand, wait times can range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the annual availability of visas in this category.
To check the progress of your priority date, refer to the Visa Bulletin each month, as the U.S. Department of State provides updates on visa availability for each preference category.
5. Rights and Responsibilities of F4 Visa Holders
Once in the U.S., F4 visa holders receive Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status and enjoy several rights and responsibilities:
Rights
- Right to Work: F4 visa holders can work freely in the U.S. without restrictions.
- Education Access: Access to U.S. educational institutions and possible eligibility for financial aid.
- Travel Rights: Freedom to travel in and out of the U.S., as long as residence is maintained.
Responsibilities
- Residency Maintenance: F4 visa holders should reside in the U.S. and avoid prolonged absences to maintain their Green Card.
- Tax Obligations: Comply with U.S. federal and state tax laws.
- Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency, F4 visa holders may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to process an F4 Visa?
Due to high demand, the F4 Visa process often takes 10 to 20 years, depending on the applicant’s country and priority date.
2. Can the spouse and children of the sibling immigrate with the principal F4 visa holder?
Yes, the principal applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join them in the U.S. on the same F4 visa application.
3. Can a U.S. Green Card holder sponsor a sibling for an F4 Visa?
No, only U.S. citizens (not Green Card holders) can sponsor their siblings under the F4 Visa category.
4. Can the F4 Visa be expedited?
Generally, F4 visas cannot be expedited due to the annual cap on this category. Priority dates advance based on demand and visa availability.
5. What if the U.S. citizen sponsor dies before the F4 Visa is approved?
In some cases, a substitute sponsor (such as another family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) may be allowed, but this is considered on a case-by-case basis by USCIS.
6. Can an F4 visa holder apply for U.S. citizenship?
Yes, after five years of holding a Green Card and meeting all residency requirements, F4 visa holders can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.