F4 Visa Guide: Key Things You Need to Know About the F4 Visa
The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows siblings of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and children (under 21), to immigrate to the United States. This visa falls under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category and provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible family members.
F4 Visa Overview
The F4 visa enables U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers and sisters for permanent residency in the United States. Their spouses and unmarried children under 21 are also eligible to immigrate under this category. To apply, follow these steps:
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen sponsor submits Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to USCIS for their sibling and eligible dependents.
- Wait for Visa Availability: The F4 visa category is subject to annual numerical limits, so applicants must check the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement.
- Complete DS-260: Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, the applicant submits Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online.
- Attend a Visa Interview: Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, where the applicant must present the required documents.
- Receive the Visa and Travel to the U.S.: If approved, the applicant and their eligible dependents receive F4 visas, allowing them to enter the U.S. and obtain Green Cards.
Advantages That an F4 Visa Offers
The F4 visa provides multiple benefits for U.S. citizens and their siblings, including:
Family Reunification
- Allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings to immigrate to the U.S. permanently.
- Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of the primary applicant can immigrate together.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- F4 visa holders become lawful permanent residents upon arrival in the U.S.
- Eligible for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and naturalization requirements.
Work Authorization
Upon arrival, F4 visa holders receive a Green Card, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. without additional employment authorization.
Education and Financial Opportunities
- Eligible for public and private education, including universities and professional training programs.
- May qualify for in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid.
Travel Flexibility
- F4 visa holders can travel freely in and out of the U.S. after obtaining their Green Card.
- No need for a separate visa once lawful permanent residency is granted.
Requirements for an F4 Visa
Eligible Family Relationship
- The applicant must be the brother or sister of a U.S. citizen.
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must be at least 21 years old to file Form I-130.
- The applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 are also eligible for F4 visas.
Financial Support Requirement
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to prove financial ability to support the applicant and their dependents.
- The sponsor must meet minimum income requirements based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines.
Visa Availability & Priority Date
- The F4 visa category is subject to an annual cap, leading to long wait times.
- Applicants must check the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement before proceeding with their visa application.
Medical Examination & Vaccination
- The applicant must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician.
- All required vaccinations under U.S. immigration law must be completed before visa approval.
Intent to Immigrate
- The F4 visa is an immigrant visa, meaning applicants must prove intent to reside permanently in the U.S.
- The applicant and their dependents must move to the U.S. within six months of visa issuance to activate their Green Cards.
Interview & Documentation
- The applicant must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate proving sibling relationship to the U.S. citizen sponsor
- Financial support documents
- Police clearance certificate from all countries lived in for over six months
Processing Time
- The F4 visa processing time varies due to visa availability, USCIS processing speed, and embassy schedules.
- Due to the high demand and annual visa cap, the wait time can be several years to over a decade, depending on priority date movement in the Visa Bulletin.
The F4 visa is a vital immigration pathway for U.S. citizens seeking to reunite with their siblings and provide them with work, education, and citizenship opportunities in the United States.