F4 Visa for Siblings: How to Sponsor Your Brother or Sister for US Residency

F4 Visa for Siblings: How to Sponsor Your Brother or Sister for US Residency

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The F4 visa is a family-based preference visa that allows US citizens to sponsor their brothers or sisters for permanent residency. If you are a US citizen and want to reunite with your siblings from abroad, understanding the F4 visa process is essential and an immigration lawyer can help make this wish come true.

Key Takeaways

• Eligibility for F4 Visa: To sponsor a sibling visa, you must be a US citizen at least 21 years old. Your sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also be included in the visa application.
• Filing Process: Sponsorship begins with submitting Form I-130, along with proof of your US citizenship and your biological or legal relationship with your sibling. Additional documents may be required, such as proof of name changes or adoption records.
• Long Wait Times: Due to high demand and visa limits, the F4 visa process can take 10 to 15 years, with even longer waits for applicants from countries like Mexico or the Philippines.

Who is Eligible for the F4 Visa?

The F4 visa falls under the fourth preference category of family-sponsored immigration, specifically designed for brothers and sisters of US citizens. To be eligible to sponsor your sibling for an F4 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders are not eligible to sponsor under this category).
• You must be at least 21 years old.
• The sibling you are sponsoring must have proof of a biological or legal relationship (including half-siblings or adopted siblings under certain conditions).

In addition, your sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old can be included in the application and receive derivative visas.

How to Begin the Sponsorship Process: F4 Visa Requirements

The first step in sponsoring your sibling for the F4 visa is filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes your relationship with your sibling and kicks off the immigration process.

Along with the I-130 Form, you must include the following documents to support your sibling’s visa petition:

• Proof of US citizenship (copy of your U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate).
• Proof of relationship (your birth certificate and your sibling’s birth certificate showing common parentage).
• Marriage certificates or adoption documents, if applicable, to show legal ties between siblings.
• Proof of any name changes, such as marriage certificates or court orders, if your or your sibling’s name has changed since birth.

The Waiting Period: F4 Visa Processing Times

Due to the high demand for family-based visas and the annual limits placed on the F4 category, the processing time for an F4 visa can be lengthy. It’s important to understand that your sibling may need to wait several years before they can receive their visa. The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, showing which applications are being processed based on priority date (the date when Form I-130 was filed).

Take into consideration that the wait time for F4 visas often ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on the applicant’s home country. For example, siblings from countries like Mexico or the Philippines may face even longer waiting times.

Bringing Your Sibling’s Family

The F4 visa not only covers your sibling but also extends to their spouse and unmarried children under 21. They will receive derivative visas, which means they can immigrate to the US simultaneously with your siblings.

Once your sibling arrives in the US on an F4 visa, they will be granted lawful permanent residency (a Green Card). This allows them to live, work, and study in the US permanently. After five years of living in the country, your sibling may also become eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization.

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Summary

Reuniting with your brother or sister in the US through the F4 visa is a significant process that involves careful planning, documentation, and patience. By understanding the steps, preparing for the wait time, and ensuring all requirements are met, you can help your sibling achieve permanent residency and begin their new life in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the F4 visa and who is eligible to apply?

The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows US citizens to sponsor their siblings for permanent residency (a Green Card). To be eligible, the petitioner must be a US citizen who is at least 21 years old, and the sibling being sponsored can live either in the US or abroad. The F4 visa also covers the sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.[2

How long does it take to get an F4 visa approved?

The F4 visa waiting time can take a significant amount of time due to the high demand and annual limits on family-sponsored visas. On average, the waiting period can range from 14 to 20 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin. Priority is given based on the filing date of the petition (Form I-130), and applicants must wait for their priority date to become current.

What are the steps to apply for an F4 visa?  

The process begins with the US citizen petitioner filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. When the priority date becomes current, the sibling and their family will need to submit additional documents, attend a visa interview, and undergo a medical examination before receiving the F4 visa.