F4 Visa — Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens

The F4 Family Preference Visa allows brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens to immigrate to the United States and obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card). This visa category strengthens family unity by enabling U.S. citizens to bring their siblings — along with their spouses and unmarried children under 21 — to live permanently in the United States.

Key Features of the F4 Visa:

• Eligibility: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older and must have a qualifying sibling relationship with the beneficiary, proven by birth certificates or other legal documentation.
• Petition Process (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the sibling relationship and starts the immigration process.
• Priority Date: Once USCIS receives the I-130, a priority date is assigned. This date determines the sibling’s place in the visa queue and must become current before the next stage of processing can begin. Applicants can track this date using the U.S. Visa Bulletin.
• Visa Availability: The F4 category is subject to annual numerical limits, meaning only a specific number of F4 visas are issued each year. As a result, waiting periods can extend for many years, depending on the applicant’s country of chargeability.
• Consular Processing: When the priority date becomes current, beneficiaries residing outside the U.S. apply for an immigrant visa by completing Form DS-260 and attending an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
• Adjustment of Status (AOS): Beneficiaries lawfully residing in the U.S. may apply for Adjustment of Status using Form I-485 when their priority date is current, avoiding the need for consular processing abroad.
• Derivative Beneficiaries: The spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of the principal F4 beneficiary may accompany or follow to join them in the United States as derivative beneficiaries.
• Permanent Residency: Once the immigrant visa is issued and the applicant enters the United States, they become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) with the right to live, work, and study in the country.
• Path to Citizenship: After maintaining permanent residency for five years, F4 visa holders may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

The F4 visa is one of the most sought-after family preference categories, as it helps reunite siblings separated by borders. At Visa2Migrate, we provide comprehensive guidance to families navigating this process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely tracking of priority dates.